3 things we learned from NYCFC's upset playoff win over the Philadelphia Union

On a chilly Sunday night in Chester, Pennsylvania, New York City FC and the Philadelphia Union faced off in the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the MLS Cup Playoffs.  The Boys in Blue were clearly the underdogs since the Union was the best team in Major League Soccer.  However, a strong defensive performance led the Bronx side to a 1-0 win.

Subsequently, NYCFC will play in the Conference Finals.  The brilliant work by not just Matt Freese and the backline, but everyone in the Starting XI, kept Philadelphia out of the goal.  It did not matter that they were outshot 20 to six, for the stat that mattered the most is why they are moving on.

What makes this even better is that the Pigeons won with a different lineup, for Alonso Martínez and Andrés Perea suffered terrible leg injuries that will keep them out for a while.  Plus, Aiden O’Neill was suspended due to yellow card accumulation.  So, to win without them, and to do so on the road, makes this an impressive accomplishment.  Oh, and Maxi Moralez scored the winning goal.

This was a great match.  Here are three things we learned from NYCFC’s defensive win over the Philadelphia Union.

Matt Freese did Matt Freese things

The entire team was strong defensively throughout the 90 minutes of play.  Philadelphia was relentless, and NYCFC did everything they could to keep them out of the goal.  It also helped that Matt Freese had one of his staple matches that highlight why the goalkeeper has become the starter for the USMNT. 

He had five saves throughout the game, including two vital saves in the second half that kept the score at 1-0.  In the 74th minute, Francis Westfield was right in front of the right side of the goal and sent a powerful shot directly toward Freese.  The NYCFC keeper had to use his leg to keep the ball out of the goal.  In addition, he had a save in stoppage time, in which Milan Iloski sent him flying to his left.  He had to leap and stretch out his fingers to keep the ball out of the top right corner.

Regardless, every save Freese made was critical.  Some of them were thrilling to watch, while some might question how he was successful with the stops.  NYCFC needs him to play just as well against Inter Miami CF in the next round.

NYCFC is lucky to have Maxi Moralez

As mentioned, Moralez scored the only goal in the fixture.  The long-time NYCFC midfielder received a through-ball from Nicolás Fernández Mercau that was perfectly timed.  He only had Andre Blake in front of him, and swiftly put the ball past him with ease. 

The Pigeons needed somebody to step up, and the club legend did so.  Sure, he was not able to work his magic to the full effect since the Union dominated offensively and limited the Boys in Blue with what they could do.  However, Moralez had a moment and took it.  The defense absolutely won NYCFC the game, but his goal is still the reason why the team remains in the postseason.

Who would have thought that the 38-year-old would give the Pigeons a chance for another trophy?  Fans knew he still plays at a top level, but someone like Fernández Mercau or Hannes Wolf might have been expected to score.  The club is lucky to have Moralez still on the team.  No matter what happens next week, his goal will be remembered.

NYCFC’s upset will be remembered

The Philadelphia Union won the MLS Supporters’ Shield for having the most points with 66.  They had ten more than NYCFC, and the Boys in Blue ended the season in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. Hence, this win was clearly an upset, and it is one that will be remembered.

How often do teams have 20 shots and fail to score?  This is not a common thing, and the Bronx side was limited in the attack.  But one goal was all that it took, and a brilliant defensive effort held the Union scoreless.  It was not a typical win, but NYCFC fans will surely remember this match due to the uniqueness in how they secured a spot in the next round of the playoffs.