By Juan Carlos Maygua
The New England Revolution stepped into action for the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Legendary coach Bruce Arena led the team to break historic records in the league. On paper,
NYCFC could have been considered as the underdog, given the season the Boys in blue had. But
the turnaround near the playoffs was a game-changer and made them contenders. The task was
not going to be easy and Head Coach Ronny Deila made sure the media emphasized how much
the team would suffer from start to finish. It’s safe to say that he was not wrong about that in the
slightest, the game left everyone on the edge.
A match for the ages
NYCFC was fighting against their odds besides facing New England. Regardless of the good
momentum after winning against Atlanta, the fact that they always fell short in the semifinals
came back to haunt them. The team also struggled with penalty kicks, the most recent memory of
this negative streak was the defeat against Pumas in the Leagues Cup earlier this year. With that
in mind, the idea of the match going past the 90-minute mark was a fear for NYCFC fans. One
way or another the team needed a strong start, letting New England set the rhythm was
something they had to prevent at all costs.
Santiago Rodriguez got things off to a good start after he scored the opening goal in the third
minute of the game. At first glance, it was the perfect start to a difficult game, or in pop culture
reference, just what the doctor ordered. It was the chance for NYCFC to build on the moment
and build possession, but the goal had a counter effect and it woke up New England. It didn’t
take long for them to equalize the game. Adam Buksa caught the defense off guard during a free-
kick and the score was leveled in the 9th minute. Two quick goals that send a clear message, win
whatever it takes.
With the score tied the game turned very physical. Mistimed tackles and tactical fouls followed
for both teams. Callens, Sands and Tayvon Gray were the driving force behind the team in my
eyes. Offensively Santiago Rodriguez along with Maxi and Taty tried to push the team forward,
but the fouls only increased. Castellanos would be booked as a result of the rough playing style
early in the game but besides that the game hit a wall and remained the same throughout the 90
minutes. Tayvon Gray did have a chance to go for glory in the 88th minute but his shot missed
the target, it was a good effort but he did have an option to cross the ball to the box.
Extra time would see NYCFC at their lowest in a dramatic turn of events. I’m 29 and I can safely
say that I had never been so nervous in such a short time. Injuries started to happen left and right,
Sands was the first guy down after cramping and was unable to continue. I’m sure that if the
injury didn’t happen, the manager was not going to use all the substitutions. Regardless, Tony
Rocha played well despite barely having minutes this season. Unfortunately, the muscle cramps
would continue despite Taty scoring in the 109th minute. The goal was the game-winner for
sure, but the soccer gods had other plans.
Remember the nervous situation I was telling you about? Only 3 minutes after Castellanos
scored he made a bad tackle near midfield and saw the red card. The team was losing a key asset
not only to close out the game but also for the conference final. To add more drama Tayvon Gray
also fell victim to the cramps and there was a moment where NYCFC played with 9 men on the
field. Unfortunately, New England capitalized on this and scored the equalizer 2 minutes before
time expired. It was a nightmare, New England arrived with momentum and the dreaded
penalties were deciding NYCFC’s fate once again.
Was history going to repeat itself? With Castellanos unavailable and Maxi eligible for the
shootout anything was possible. The chance at a final rested on Sean Johnson once again. Let’s
not forget he already made a game-changing stop during extra time. Alfredo Morales started for
NYCFC and gave the team confidence. In addition, Johnson saved New England’s second
penalty, leaving the final two shots for Maxi and Alexander Callens. It was a chance of
redemption for Maxi after his misfortune against Pumas. A chance that he took well and scored,
it was in that moment where I felt that we had the win. Callens stepped up for the last shot, took
a few steps back, and found the back of the net.
Alexander Callens not only defeated the ghosts hunting NYCFC in the playoffs, but he also took
on the responsibility to guide the club to their first conference final. While I know my role as a
writer limits my fan side to some extent, this was a moment I’ll never forget. The road hasn’t
been easy, but being part of such a positive run was beyond my expectations. The team will face
Philadelphia on Sunday, while all NYCFC related media and fans want the victory. I think this
season will live on as one to remember regardless of the outcome. The team has fought until the
end and it’s on the right path, this is only the beginning.