12 december 2021 – A first in the MLS: New York City has won the competition. Portland Timber was defeated on penalties in a thrilling final. It was an emotional rollercoaster for both teams, in which the team from the east came out on top after penalties: 4-2.
Not only was it the first time the team had won the title, it was even the club’s first time reaching the final. However, there was no stage fright in the team, which was the better from the first minute. Valentín Castellanos took care of the opening goals just before half-time, so that the team seemed on its way to the championship, but it was not that easy in the end.
Portland tied the score in stoppage time. It brought tears to Felipe Mora, because his team was back in the game in one fell swoop. It resulted in extra time in which both teams went all the way, but were in two minds: chasing the winning goal, but at the same time not conceding a goal. The clubs succeeded in the latter, so that a decision had to be made via penalty kicks.
Sean Everet Johnson turned out to be a New York hero. He saved two penalties to end the game in a 2-4 win for the East side. As a result, the club took its first title in the club’s seven-year existence.
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