FT: NYCFC 2, Santos de Guapilles 0

FT: NYCFC defeat Santos 2-0 in the away leg

NYCFC had a great first half hour which featured a brace from Taty Castellanos. After that, it was simply cruise control. A red card to Santi Rodriguez could complicate matters, but City has plenty of coverage in the attack.

89': Substitution, NYCFC

Héber comes on for Taty Castellanos

75': Two substitutions for NYCFC

Keaton Parks comes on for Talles Magno, Thiago Martins in for Gedion Zelalem.

69': Santi Rodriguez is sent off

It seemed like a not-bad challenge. But the ref thought otherwise. Interesting call.

20 minutes elapsed in the second half

Not much to report in the way of offense. But City have looked really strong.

The second half is underway!

Can NYCFC add on to their two-goal lead and possibly put the two-legged series to rest before their "home" game in LA?

HT: NYCFC lead Santos 2-0

Can't really envision a better start to this one. 45 minutes in, and Taty Castellanos is already picking up where he left off with a pair of goals to give NYCFC a healthy lead with 45 minutes still to play. City haven't been perfect, but the mistakes they've made haven't come back to haunt them.

Overall, a really quality half.

30': GOOOOOAAALLL!!! Castellanos grabs his brace!

Taty capitalizes on a botched clearance from Santos and tucks it in with a clean finish with pace. That's his second goal of the night as NYCFC extend their lead to 2-0.

25 minutes elapsed

NYCFC has held the majority possession and have a goal to show for it. City have had some big chances, but have been unable to pad their lead. Dominant thus far.

5': GOOOOAAAALLL! Taty Castellanos scores a penalty!

Santos are penalized for a handball in the box. Taty Castellanos steps up to take it and squeezes it in. 1-0 NYCFC

1' We're off in Costa Rica!

Can City start off strong in the CONCACAF Champions League?

The story

It's been two months since NYCFC has triumphantly raised the MLS Cup and had their moment in the rain-soaked sun, fulfilling their dreams of league supremacy. And tonight, the Boys in Blue start a campaign to potentially do what no other MLS club has done to this point — win a CONCACAF Champions League.

City will start proceedings in the CCL Round of 16 against Costa Rican debutants, Santos de Guápiles. NYCFC will start with the away leg against Santos tonight and will have the return "home' leg out west in Los Angeles due to CONCACAF not approving Yankee Stadium for CCL play. Tonight could serve as a huge statement game for the Pigeons as it is their first competitive game in 2022, after their Cup-winning performance in December.

Let's hope it's business as usual in Costa Rica tonight.

Rosters

New York City FC

Starting XI: TBA

Suspended: None

Suspended after next caution: None

International duty: None

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

Santos de Guápiles

Starting XI: TBA

Suspended: None

Suspended after next caution: None

International duty: None

Injuries: N/A

How To Watch

Match date & time: February 22, 2022, 8:00 PM (EST)

Venue: Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica, La Sabana Metropolitan Park, San José, Costa Rica

Online streaming: N/A

TV: FS2, TUDN

Local radio: NYCFC.com/radio

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