MLS New York City FC

NYCFC Continues Surge to Postseason Berth

Published on October 30, 2021 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York City FC News Release


New York City FC traveled south to face Inter Miami on Saturday knowing a combination of a win and results elsewhere could secure them a playoff place. The Boys in Blue took the lead in the 33rd minute via a fantastic strike from Taty Castellanos from distance. NYCFC were subsequently pegged back by a Nico Figal goal from a corner in the 56th minute. The Boys in Blue wouldn't be behind for long, however, after a sweeping move from back to front allowed Castellanos to secure his second of the game in the 60th minute. Ronny Deila's men found a third in the 83rd minute when substitute Talles Magno finished off a flowing counter-attack with a calm sidefoot finish.

Match Recap

New York City FC were on the hunt for an important road win on Saturday as they traveled to Florida to face Inter Miami CF at Drive Pink Stadium. The Boys in Blue knew a win and a combination of results elsewhere would secure them a spot in the postseason.

Head Coach Ronny Deila decided to make just one change to the team that beat Chicago Fire 1-0 on Wednesday, with Jesús Medina replacing Thiago Andrade in the starting XI.

While the game began at a quick pace there was little rhythm in NYCFC's early play and that made it hard for the Boys in Blue to fashion clear-cut chances and test Inter Miami's goalkeeper.

At the other end, Gonzalo Higuain was proving a constant threat with his movement, but he was unable to apply the finishing touch his team's play required - the 17th minute seeing Sean Johnson get down low to his left to make an outstanding stop to deny the striker from a one-on-one opportunity.

NYCFC were beginning to find their way into the game, and in the 33rd minute, a moment of sheer brilliance from Taty Castellanos allowed NYCFC to take the lead.

The play started with a smart pass through the lines from Keaton Parks that found Castellanos in space. The Argentine proceeded to shake off his defender and unleash a fierce effort from 25 yards out that nestled in the back of the net and gave NYCFC the lead heading into half-time.

The second period began with the visitors controlling possession, but that didn't stop Inter Miami from creating the first real chance of the half when Federico Higuain - playing the final game of his professional career - produced an impressive half-volley that Sean Johnson was forced to tip onto the bar.

That momentum carried through into the 56th minute when Miami found an equalizer. The goal came via a corner that NYCFC failed to clear, leading to a loose ball that Nico Figal pounced on before firing in from close range.

NYCFC didn't have to wait long to retake the lead, however, and found their second goal in the 60th minute. The consequence of a fine team move that started at the back with James Sands, his powerful run and pass found Maxi Moralez in space, who in turn played in Castellanos to calmly convert.

In the wake of the goal Ronny Deila decided to turn to his bench and introduce Talles Magno and Tayvon Gray for Santiago Rodríguez and Alfredo Morales.

NYCFC were now settling into the game and controlling the ball, with Talles proving a danger down the left. The Brazilian almost notched an assist after some silky skills gave him the opportunity to pull the ball back to the penalty spot - only for a deflection to take it away from Castellanos.

The Argentine almost had his hat-trick in the 79th minute when Medina found him in behind with a cute through ball. Castellanos did the hard work by rounding the goalkeeper but could but failed to find the target from a tight angle.

A third goal would eventually arrive for the Boys in Blue in the 83rd minute after Talles Magno started a flowing counter-attack that finished with Castellanos laying it off for the Brazilian to control and calmly side-foot into the bottom right-hand corner.

Inter Miami weren't about to give up just yet, however, and in the 86th minute Johnson was called into action when a pullback found Rodolfo Pizzaro in space - his effort well eventually tipped over for a corner.

As the clock ticked down Deila introduced striker Héber in place of Castellanos in the 89th minute, followed by midfielder Gedion Zelalem for Parks in the 93rd minute. That would be the last notable act of the game and secured NYCFC a huge 3-1 victory on the road.

What's Next

Next up for New York City is a meeting with Philadelphia Union at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, November 7. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30PM EST.

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Major League Soccer Stories from October 30, 2021


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