NYCFC went into Stade Saputo and crushed CF Montreal, successful 3-1 within the Jap Convention semifinal to proceed their MLS Cup protection.
- NYCFC title protection continues
- Targets from stars Moralez, Heber and Magno
- Rematch with Union in convention closing
WHAT HAPPENED? NYCFC quieted the group moments after the opening whistle, with longtime captain Maxi Moralez scoring simply six minutes into the match. And it solely obtained worse for Montreal simply earlier than halftime as Heber scored to provide the guests a 2-0 lead on the break.
Needing a spark early within the second half to drive themselves again into the sport, Montreal as an alternative conceded a penalty, permitting Talles Magno so as to add NYCFC’s third within the 61st minute to successfully finish the competition. Djordje Mihailovic added one late for the hosts, however the outcome was already too far gone for Montreal.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: The defending MLS Cup champions had been at their highest on Sunday as they totally beat a Montreal group that was spectacular within the common season. Nonetheless, this was one other instance of the distinction between common season and postseason. NYCFC are confirmed winners at this degree, and CF Montreal will not be. On Sunday, NYCFC did every part postseason veterans do in these conditions. They quieted the group, they struck when alternatives arose and largely performed mistake-free soccer in opposition to a group that proved it might go toe-to-toe with any in MLS throughout the 34-game season.
ALL EYES ON: Taty Castellanos’ departure nonetheless looms so massive for NYCFC, and naturally it does. He was on tempo for one more Golden Boot earlier than heading to Girona this summer time. That is what makes Heber’s resurgence so necessary. The Brazilian striker missed almost all of 2021 with an damage and has largely been eased again into every part this season. He is beginning to rediscover himself, although, having now scored in three straight video games. He isn’t Castellanos, however earlier than the Argentinian’s breakthrough, Heber was the man, and he is now wholesome sufficient to be the primary man once more for NYCFC.
THE VERDICT: It is a disappointing finish to the season for Montreal, who will now head into the offseason with all types of inquiries to reply. Mihailovic and Victor Wanyama are leaving. Ismael Kone might observe after the membership obtained presents for the Canadian star this previous summer time. How they change these guys will decide whether or not they can maintain success or if this season was only a flash within the pan.
NYCFC, in the meantime, are a terrific instance of sustainability. They misplaced their star striker and their coach midseason, however they proceed to chug alongside towards a return to MLS Cup. Can they do it? It’s going to be robust, nevertheless it’s clear that this group is constructed for the postseason regardless of the subtractions this summer time.
WHAT NEXT FOR NYCFC? The Jap Convention closing shall be a marquee matchup. Will it signify a champion’s return or a altering of the guard?
NYCFC’s subsequent step of their title protection will see them face the Philadelphia Union, the No. 1 seed that smashed offensive and defensive information this season, in a rematch of final 12 months’s Jap Convention finale.