FT: Philadelphia 1, NYCFC 2

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FT: THERE IT IS!!! NYCFC ADVANCE TO THE MLS CUP FINALS!!!

Gudi Thorarrinsson and Talles Magno connect to be the heroes on the night. And now, City will get an opportunity in Portland to be crowned champions! C’MON, NEW YORK!!!!

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88′: GOOOOOOAAALLL!!!! Talles Magno puts in the go-ahead!

City had become the aggressor ever since the tying goal. And now, they have something to show for it! A huge goal by Talles that could possibly put them in the Final!

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76′: Callens is denied of the go-ahead goal. Great save, nothing else to say about it.

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63′: Goal, Philly. Not gonna lie, this has been tough to cover.

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55′: Chance! Medina takes a pop from the edge of the area. But it’s an easy save.

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46′: Second half is underway. NYCFC need to find another gear. Because it hasn’t been enough so far.

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HT: NYCFC remain level with Philly, 0-0

This was a terrible half. City didn’t even threaten goal in the first frame. Certain players like Malte Amundsen have played so poorly, I can’t justify them coming out to play the second half.

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25′: This has not been a good showing for NYCFC. Off-ball movement is awful, nobody’s showing options, and players look timid.

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Ten minutes elapsed. So far, not great. City look nervous and disjointed.

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1′: We’re off in Philly! Can NYCFC get past a depleted Union side and punch their ticket to the MLS Cup Final?

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Rosters are out!

In the absence of Taty Castellanos due to suspension, Héber gets his first start of the season! Other than that, NYCFC retains the same lineup as last week.

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In the Eastern Conference Semifinals, New York City FC defied the odds and knocked out the New England Revolution 5-3 on penalty kicks following a 2-2 stalemate after 120 minutes. The triumphant victory exorcised the demons of playoffs past in which NYCFC — no matter the circumstances — had found themselves unable to get the job done when the lights were shining their bright. And for the first time in the team’s history, the Boys in Blue are within an arm’s reach of competing for MLS’s top trize.

City were previously tasked with dispatching stiff competitors, the Philadelphia Union, in the Eastern Conference Finals. However, the Union have been extremely diminished over the past week following 11 players — many of them stars — being forced to miss the event due to the league’s Safety & Health Protocols following positive COVID-19 tests.

With these latest developments, NYCFC most definitely have become the overwhelming favorites, despite being on the road and without star talisman Taty Castellanos. But there’s still a job to do. And if the team is serious about meeting the Portland Timbers in the MLS Cup Final, they’ll have to show up ready to work even if Philly isn’t in peak condition.

Rosters

New York City FC

Starting XI:

Suspended: Taty Castellanos

Suspended after next caution: None

International duty: None

Injuries: Keaton Parks (OUT/Blood clot); Anton Tinnerholm (OUT/Achilles)

Philadelphia Union

Starting XI:

Suspended: None

Suspended after next caution: None

International duty: None

Injuries: Alejandro Bedoya, Joe Bendik, Andre Blake, Cory Burke, Jack Elliott, Jakob Glesnes, Ilsinho, Alvas Powell, Sergio Santos, Quinn Sullivan, Kai Wagner (All out due to MLS Safety & Health Protocol)

How to Watch

Match date & time: December 5, 2022, 3:00 PM (EST)

Venue: Subaru Park, Chester, PA

Online streaming: ESPN+

TV: ABC

Local radio: NYCFC.com/radio

This post will update with highlights and information as we receive it.