New York City FC went inside the belly of the beast Sunday at Saputo Stadium and showed off its playoff expertise by eliminating CF Montréal 3-1 to advance to the Eastern Conference finals against Philadelphia Union on Oct. 30 at Subaru Park in Chester.
Facing an intense atmosphere, NYCFC started out aggressively and got an early sixth-minute goal from veteran Argentine playmaker Maxi Moralez.
It's October in North American soccer, meaning it's time for fans in this portion of the world to widely celebrate the one event that largely separates us from the rest of the planet: the playoffs.
It's been glorious.
Here we are. Decision Day. A season potentially summed up in one moment. For the seven teams whose campaigns still hang in the balance, defeat is simply not an option. For spectators, the tension has been turned up to the max as six of the seven sides play each other in their final games of the season. After 90 minutes of intensity, stress will give way to both elation and agony. As we go into Decision Day, let’s break down what every team is playing for.
The business end of the MLS season is upon us, and with the MLS playoffs kicking off in just under a month, every game matters. Only six sides have officially been eliminated from playoff contention going into the international break and the race for the Supporter’s Shield is very much alive. Following Match Week 32, let’s break down what every team is playing for from here on out.
Remaining Opponents: Charlotte FC, Toronto FC
Soccer doesn’t have walk-offs like baseball or other American sports, but Orlando City came about as close as possible against NYCFC on Sunday night. Tesho Akindele’s goal in the 96th minute gave Orlando City a 2-1 win and some much-needed breathing space as the season begins to reach its crescendo.
This summer's Luis Suárez transfer saga has been all over the place, and reports now place the Uruguayan in MLS.
After two seasons at Atlético Madrid, Suárez became a free agent July 1 and it was time to look for a new club. Many suggested that a move back to South America would be ideal for the striker after a 16-year career abroad. However, with Qatar around the corner, Suárez preferred to remain in Europe to prepare for his last World Cup.
“My priority is to stay in Europe,” he said.
The MLS All-Star roster 2022 for a matchup with the Liga MX All-Stars on Wednesday, Aug. 10, at Allianz Field in St. Paul has been unveiled. 26 players have been selected for the event with fans picking 12, MLS All-Star manager Adrian Heath (Minnesota United) selecting 12 and commissioner Don Garber adding the final two.
MLS Golden Boot winner Taty Castellanos will be making a move to Europe to join LaLiga side Girona FC, according to reports.
Last month, MLS club LAFC completed the signing of Giorgio Chiellini on a free transfer from Juventus. He's the league's second major Italian signing this summer after Lorenzo Insigne joined Toronto FC on a free transfer.
Brenner completed his first career MLS hat-trick in the 70th minute to help host FC Cincinnati record a 4-4 draw against New York City FC on Wednesday.
Brenner, who also scored in the 24th and 30th minutes, additionally had two apparent goals overturned by video review. He sent a brilliant back-heel kick into the net in the first half. However that was denied after officials deemed the ball crossed the end line prior to the apparent score. He also seemingly scored in the 89th minute, however officials deemed Cincinnati was offside prior to the tally.