A New York Moment

12/13/2021

By: Jeff Yoder

New York City FC def. Portland Timbers (1-1, 4-2 PKs) to Win 1st MLS Cup Title

History for New York! The underdogs from New York City FC won their first MLS Cup on Saturday with a thrilling finish against Portland Timbers. NYCFC — making their first MLS Cup Final appearance — struck first on a set-piece header from Valentin Castellanos (41’) that slipped through the wet fingers of Portland keeper Steve Clark. It looked like the game’s lone goal until Felipe Mora (90+4’) equalized in the waning seconds to send the Portland fans into pure bedlam. It was the 11th MLS Cup finale that needed more than 90 minutes, and the fifth that needed penalty kicks.

 

Extra Time / Penalty Kicks

NYCFC goalkeeper Sean Johnson made a miraculous save in the 112th minute to keep New York afloat and force penalty kicks. It was there that Johnson was brilliant again, making saves on the first two Portland attempts. On NYCFC’s fifth attempt, Alexander Callens went top-middle for the celebration-starter.

 

NYCFC — in their first ever trip to the MLS Cup Final — are champions of 2021.

 

Watch: NYCFC Win MLS Cup Final in Penalties (1-1, 4-2 PKs)

Watch: Full Shootout Highlights

 

Additional Storylines

MLS: NYCFC Goalkeeper Sean Johnson Named MLS Cup MVP

ESPN: NYCFC Show Steel in MLS Cup, Delivering on Ronny Deila’s Promise of Heavy Metal Football