Goals and Highlights: Portland Timbers 1(2)-(4)1 NYCFC in MLS Cup
New York City FC wins its first MLS Cup title in a match they seemed to have won but Portland Timbers came from behind to tie in the last seconds and go to overtime, but the teams looked exhausted so everything was defined in penalty kicks, however their best Timbers players missed their penalties and the New Yorkers took advantage of the mistakes to take the series 2-4.
Rooney Delia New York City coach on the possibility of winning the title
"For me personally, winning this would be one of the biggest things I've ever accomplished because it's so hard to do it here. It's 28 teams competing at the same economic level. You have to make the most of what you have and it's a great honor if we can achieve that on Saturday."
Timbers coach Giovanni Savarese talks about the difficulties of the season
"We had great challenges in Portland, starting the season several times with so many away games and then the pandemic, even with all those obstacles, this has been the most difficult season," Savarese said. "I feel that way. proud of this group."
"We're excited, of course," he said. "We've traveled well, we've prepared and we'll do everything in our power to win and take the trophy home to New York. That's our goal. I think it's not just been one week, it's been cup finals for two months, so I feel like it's just one more game in a long period and we're eight games undefeated. That's the good thing about this group; I think we've been very calm the whole time.
The trophy is named after Philip F. Anschutz, co-founder of Major League Soccer and owner of several teams, including LA Galaxy, Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids, Houston Dynamo, San Jose Earthquakes, DC United and New York/New Jersey Metrostars.
The luxurious MLS trophy is forged primarily from sterling silver, the value of the MLS Cup trophy is $120,000. To the winning team, it is worth much more than money.
When the trophy is transported in the cities, it must go inside an armored truck for insurance requirements.
There have been three different versions of the MLS Cup trophy, the first of which debuted in 1996. This current edition was first introduced in 2008 and includes design elements from the previous two trophies. In 2015, the front logo was updated to feature the league's new crest, making the Portland MLS Cup trophy the first to feature this new design element.
Stay tuned to follow Portland Timbers vs New York City FC live on TV.
In a few moments we will share with you the starting lineups for Portland Timbers vs New York City FC live, as well as the latest information from Providence Park. Keep an eye on the action with VAVEL's minute-by-minute live online coverage.
Valentin Castellanos, center forward born in Argentina has participated in 32 of 34 MLS games this season, has scored 19 goals this season an excellent number that makes him a super dangerous forward, the Portland defense will have to cut off all avenues to prevent him from scoring goals.
Felipe Mora, Chilean center forward, is the Timbers' goal leader, has been a difference maker in the playoffs this season and reached 11 goals, so New York's defenders will have to keep him close to prevent him from doing what he does best.
The team practically new to MLS reaches its first MLS Cup final, the New Yorkers had a similar path to their rival Portland, finishing fourth in their conference standings, for their first Playoffs match they faced Atlanta United, the match played at Yankee Stadium ended two-nil in favor of NYCFC, the goals came in the second half thanks to Callens and Castellanos, the conference semifinals match pitted the leader New Englandagainst NYCFC, the match ended tied at one goal and in overtime the teams scored one goal, The penalty shootout ended 5-3 in favor of New York City, after the surprising victory it was time to face the conference final against Philadelphia, the citizens found themselves at a disadvantage in 63rd minute, The Citizens found themselves behind in the 63rd minute, but were able to react in the 65th minute to tie the match and a couple of minutes from the end Magno scored the goal that gave them the pass to the final, the duel between Timbers and Citizens will be entertaining even in the final minutes as we have seen that New York City are experts in comebacks.
New York City celebrating the conference championship/Image:NYCFC
Timbers with a chance to celebrate with their fans
Portland Timbers closed the regular season with three consecutive wins prior to entering the Playoffs, positioned as fourth place they had to face the Minnesota team in the beginning of the Playoffs, in the match Minnesota was ahead on the scoreboard almost at the beginning of the duel, Near the end of the first half, Timbers equalized the score and went to the break, at the beginning of the second half, Sebastian Blanco, gave Portland the lead, after half an hour of the second half, Blanco scored the third goal, sealing his brace and the victory of Portland Timbers, which gave them the pass to the conference semifinals, in the conference semifinal they faced Colorado Rapids, leader of the Western conference, Timbers were not favorites, although Rapids dominated the match, Mabiala surprised in the 90th minute and gave Timbers the victory, the conference final was now against Real Salt Lake, the duel for the conference started very intense as Felipe Mora gave Timbers the lead in the 5th minute, Salt Lake sold hard the defeat and insisted with shots to the goal but none caused more danger, Moreno increased the advantage at 66 and thus closed their pass to the MLS final, Timbers will face NYCFC, in the MLS CUP that promises to be very entertaining.
MLS has come to an end, after a long road the two best teams in the league will compete for the MLS Cup, despite not being favorites in the Playoffs, Portland Timbers and New York City FC, have left the favorites on the road and now prepare to show why they have come this far, the Portland team is positioned as the favorite since the final will be played at home, Providence Park, what is certain is that there will be a very disputed duel.
Good afternoon to all VAVEL readers! Welcome to the live broadcast of the Portland Timbers vs New York City FC match, corresponding to the MLS CUP. The match will take place at Providence Park at 15:00.