New York City upset Supporters’ Shield winners Philadelphia Union to book an Eastern Conference finish at Inter Miami, with Maxi Moralez scoring the only goal.
Bradley Carnell’s hosts were heavy favorites at Subaru Park but after falling 1-0 behind Moralez’s 27th minute goal they were unable to find a way past in-form NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese.
Moralez fired an early warning shot from the near post as Philadelphia lost the ball in a dangerous position, while Freese’s second attempt collected Bruno Damiani’s drive and prevented it from snaking over the line.
The all-important goal came at the end of a flowing move when Agustin Ojeda cut inside from the right and found Nicolas Fernandez, whose clever first-time pass behind him picked out Moralez for an easy finish.
Only a brilliant recovery save from Andre Blake – who was injured – prevented Fernandez from making it 2-0 in his own half, while opponent Freese finished the match with five saves, the best of which came late.
Freese made an incredible point-blank stop to deny Frankie Westfield, and after the same player smashed over a gaping goal in the 87th minute, the NYCFC goalkeeper tipped away Milan Iloski’s stoppage-time curler to secure a memorable win.
Data Debrief: Freese upsets the USMNT case
The Union entered the play-offs among the favorites, but the wait for a first MLS Cup continues after they failed to get past Freese, who recently replaced Matt Turner as the United States’ starting goalkeeper ahead of next year’s home World Cup.
Philadelphia fired 18 shots, hit the target five times and collected 2.04 expected goals (xG), with NYCFC attempting just five shots worth 1.01 xG, but Freese held firm.
Moralez, meanwhile, scored his sixth MLS Cup Playoff goal for NYCFC, with four of those attempts now coming against Philadelphia.
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