FT: Portland 1 (2), NYCFC 1(4)

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FT: IT’S OVER!!!! NYCFC ARE MLS CUP CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!! Callens scores the final penalty.

Remember where you were! For the first time, an MLS Cup is coming to New York!!!

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Extra time over. Still tied. We’re going to penalties.

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15 more minutes to decide this one. If not that, penalties.

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End of the first half of extra time. Still tied at 1-1.

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95′: Talles Magno in for Jesus Medina

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After a dramatic late equalizer from Portland, we’re going to extra time. 

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90’+4′: Goal, Timbers. We’re tied 1-1. Extra time incoming. This feels cursed.

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90’+2′ Malte Amundsen in for Gudi Thorarinsson

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80′: Ismael Tajouri-Shradi comes on for Santi Rodriguez.

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75′: Great stop from Chanot!

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73′: Not much new to report. NYCFC remains in control, while Portland desperately looks for the equalizer.

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50′: Maxi almost doubles City’s lead! His free kick is touched into the crossbar.

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46′: The second half is underway. NYCFC has the lead, but can they add to it and bring home the victory?

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HT: NYCFC lead 1-0 after the first half!

It was a pretty complete first half for the Boys in Blue. Though not without its tense moments, City controlled the game for the most part and Taty Castellanos’ goal in the 41st minute seemed deserved.

45 more minutes to go!

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41′: GOOOOOOOOOOOAAALLLL!!! NYCFC strike first!

Maxi Moralez delivers a delicious in-swinging ball on a free kick toward the back post. 2021 Golden Boot winner Taty Castellanos is there to meet it and gives City a much deserved 1-0 lead in the MLS Cup Final. LET’S GO!

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35′: It looks like Maxi Moralez has a significant calf injury.

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We’re 20 minutes in. NYCFC look decent in this one. Unfortunately, it’s one of those games where you feel one mistake will kill you.

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7′: CHANCE! Alfredo Morales pushes through and squares it across for Taty Castellanos. The shot is deflected, corner.

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1′: We’re off in Portland! 90 minutes for the Cup. LET’S GO!

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Rosters are out!

As expected, no real changes. Taty Castellanos returns to the Starting XI, while the in-form Gudi Thorarinsson starts over Malte Amundsen after the latter’s poor performance against the Union. C’mon, New York! One more win!

———

It’s been a long, crazy ride to this point. But through the peaks and valleys, New York City FC has made it to the ultimate goal — an MLS Cup Final. In a battle for all the marbles, the Boys in Blue are faced with what could be their toughest challenge yet and must fly clear across the country to take on the Portland Timbers, perhaps the hottest team in all of MLS.

I’m not really sure what to put here. I’m at a complete loss for words as I try to describe this game and what it means to the team and its supporters. The words that immediately come to mind just don’t accurately describe the situation. But, I’ll do my best.

This game is a monumental occasion for City fans. For years, the team’s supporters have been waiting for this team to break through and truly establish itself among the league’s elite sides. And finally, after seven straight years of disappointment, NYCFC has a chance to truly make their presence felt.

Let’s do this, people.

Rosters

New York City FC

Starting XI:

Suspended: None

Suspended after next caution: None

International duty: None

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

Portland Timbers

Starting XI:

Suspended: None

Suspended after next caution: None

International duty: None

Injuries: N/A

How To Watch

Match date & time: December 11, 2022, 3:00 PM (EST)

Venue: Providence Park, Portland, OR

Online streaming: ESPN+

TV: ABC

Local radio: NYCFC.com/radio

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