New York City FC edge past the Supporters Shield winners on Sunday night with a 1-0 win over the Philadelphia Union, advancing to the Eastern Conference Final. The game in Chester, PA was a cold affair but it was City who had the ice water in their veins as their defense held off the best regular season team and used their veteran leadership with Maxi Moralez to get the game’s only goal.
It was a back-and-forth game in the first half with expectations that the Union would surrender possession as they have most of the season. It was far difference as a midfield battle ensued, with both teams finding it difficult to create chances in their usual ways. That changed in the 27th minute when a connection between Agustin Ojeda and Nico Fernandez found Moralez in front of goal for a finesse finish to give his club the lead and game-winner.
It wasn’t easy holding on to the lead as the second half saw the Union press forward. Their aggressiveness got the better of them as a break the other way forced a save from keeper Andre Blake who had to leave with a hamstring injury. City held firm defensively while goalkeeper Matt Freese made key saves, proving why he has been the number one goalkeeper in the US Men’s National team pool.
The late pressure become even more intense as NYCFC held on to their slim lead, while the Union found frustrating in their failed efforts. It is also worth noting that City played without Alonso Martinez, Aiden O’Neill or Andres Perea. The team’s effort is commendable and within line with what head coach Pascal Jansen has promoted all year.
Now NYC will have to travel to Fort Lauderdale to play Inter Miami. A difficult fixture for sure but the club moves one step closer to MLS Cup where they raised the trophy just four seasons prior.
STARTING XI:
New York City FC: Freese; Ojeda, Gray, Martins, Gustavo, O’Toole, Moralez (87′ Tanasijevic), Shore, Haak, Wolf (78′ Ilenic), N. Fernandez (90′ J. Fernandez)
Philadelphia Union: Blake (60′ Rick); Harriel, Glesnes, Mkhanya, Wagner, Iloski, Jean (83′ Sullivan), Lukic (60′ Westfield), Vassilev (69′ Bueno), Baribo (60′ Uhre), Damiani
SCORING SUMMARY:
27′ (NYCFC) Maxi Moralez (1) assisted by Nico Fernandez & Agustin Ojeda
DISCIPLINE:
32′ (NYCFC) Hannes Wolf – YELLOW CARD
33′ (Philadelphia Union) Tai Baribo – YELLOW CARD
35′ (NYCFC) Maxi Moralez – YELLOW CARD
78′ (NYCFC) Matt Freese – YELLOW CARD
85′ (NYCFC) Raul Gustavo – YELLOW CARD
photo by Jordan Bank