On December 11, New York City beat Portland in the MLS final. The game was an exciting one, as the teams were evenly matched. New York scored at the beginning of the second half. Going into added time the score was 1-0 to New York. Things were looking down for Portland, but at the very last moment, in the 93rd minute, Felipe Mora fired a shot into the back of the net. The game went into extra time. Both teams had opportunities, but neither was able to capitalize. At the end of extra time, the score remained 1-1, sending the teams to penalty kicks. In a tense and dramatic round of PKs, NYCFC scored 4 of their 5 shots and Portland scored 2. Alexander Callens scored the winning goal for New York with a powerful shot to the upper middle of the net. The New York City FC players and fans were ecstatic. Neither of the teams had ever won the Cup, so it was a big win for NYCFC. 

Despite winning the Supporters Shield, an award given annually to the MLS team with the best regular-season record, the New England Revs lost to New York in the conference semifinals. It was a devastating loss for Revs fans and players alike as the Revs were favorites to win the Cup and because the game was on home turf, at Gillette Stadium. By the end of regulation, the score was 1-1 and the game went to extra time. NYCFC scored in the 109th minute on a header goal from Taty Catellanos, the 2021 golden boot winner. However, the Revs did not let up and in the 117th minute, Tajon Buchanon scored off a cross from Emmanuel Boateng. At the end of the extra time period, the score was 2-2 and the teams headed into penalty kicks. New York scored on all five penalty kicks, knocking the Revs out of the playoffs and their opportunity to win the Cup. Despite the loss, Carles Gil, Revs’ center midfielder, won league MVP. Although the Revs did not make it to the finals, they had an extremely successful season, so, hopefully, next year the team can further improve and make it all the way. 

Cate Lynch ‘24, Sports Editor

24clynch@montroseschool.org