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New York City FC Defeated in Eastern Conference Finals

BQE Admin on December 4, 2025

Miami and Vancouver seek 1st MLS title

By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

A wild playoff run for the Boys in Blue came to a screeching halt in Southern Florida over the weekend, conceding five times in a defeat to Inter Miami CF. After allowing just a single goal in their first four matches of the postseason, New York City FC were unable to contain a star-studded Floridian side who punched a ticket to their first ever MLS Cup Final.

After being involved in all 12 of Miami’s playoff goals this postseason, Lionel Messi only contributed to one of their five strikes in the Conference Final. Instead the match was settled by a hat trick from Argentinian youngster Tadeo Allende, with fantastic play by soccer legends Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.

It was a frustrating opening half for the New Yorkers, who were met with physicality and antics as Miami tried to unsettle the visitors. It seemed to work out, as quick breaks downfield resulted in a pair of early goals. The first came from Allende, who was able to beat a lackluster challenge by NYC newcomer Raul Gustavo before thundering the ball past Matt Freese on the near post.

After some words and shoves were exchanged by Messi and New York midfielder Maxi Moralez, Miami quickly struck a second time, again through Allende who found a pocket of space for a header in the 6-yard box. 

Just like that, Miami had scored more in 22 minutes than NYC had given up in their previous four postseason games combined. An already daunting task was made even more impossible.

Homegrown talent Justin Haak was able to claw back a goal for NYC before the first half expired, thumping home a header of his own. With a glimmer of hope, NYC stayed in the match, down 2-1 at halftime.

There were a few golden opportunities to equalize, but just as they did in a few tough defeats this season, New York were unable to convert in key moments. The first came just minutes into the second half, as a giveaway by goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo gave Moralez a chance at the top of the box. Instead of attempting a shot, the midfielder laid off a lackluster pass, and the chance quickly faded.

Novo made up for his mistake in the 67th minute, as another perfect opportunity fell for NYC’s Julian Fernandez inside the box. Fernandez curled a shot towards the far corner, but Novo was able to get his hand to it for a fantastic save. Almost immediately after, Miami broke downfield for their third goal, this time scored by Mateo Silvetti.

With the game already escaping NYC’s grasp, the dagger came in the 83rd minute as Jordi Alba set up the 4th Miami strike with a backheel assist on a counterattack. Six minutes later, Allende finished off his hat trick and Miami coasted to their first Conference Title.

“When I walked in back in January to start this project, one of the things we mentioned was that we had to do better than the previous season. From an objective standpoint, that’s what we did, but to finish the season like this tells us we have a few more lessons to learn,” commented Head Coach Pascal Jansen after the defeat. “With the players that we have, even though we were missing three key players, we shouldn’t be as naive as we showed tonight. It is time to rest now, and our full focus is on next season because we have to do better again.”

Miami will host the MLS Cup Final on Saturday, December 6 at 2:30pm. They will take on  the Vancouver Whitecaps, who defeated debutants San Diego in the Western Conference Final, 3-1.

 

NYC Names Todd Dunivant as Next Sporting Director

Following their exit from the playoffs, New York City FC made a few announcements, including the appointment of new Sporting Director, Todd Dunivant. One of the most decorated players in MLS history, Dunivant won 5 MLS Cup titles, 2 Supporters Shields, and a Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, playing over 300 matches in his 13-year career.

Dunivant joins from USL club Sacramento Republic FC, where he served as the General Manager and most recently club President.

“The club’s strong foundation is something we will build upon from day one, and I’m eager to join the incredible players, coaches, and staff that already exist at New York City FC,” said Dunivant in his introductory press conference. “The future has never been brighter for the club and MLS, and I look forward to accomplishing big things together in 2026 and beyond.”

NYC Upset the Union, Head to Miami for Conference Finals

BQE Admin on November 26, 2025

By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

In stunning fashion, New York City FC upset the top-seeded Philadelphia Union on the road, punching a ticket to Miami for the Eastern Conference Finals. Even without star striker Alonso Martinez, who suffered a knee injury while on international duty, and midfielder Andres Perea, injured in the Round 1 finale against Charlotte, New York were again able to find the net through a moment of brilliance.

It was NYC club legend Maxi Moralez who scored the lone goal in the match, getting on the end of a gorgeous through ball from Nico Fernandez after a great inside cut by Agustin Ojeda. The 38-year-old Argentine midfielder tucked the ball past Philly goalkeeper Andre Blake just ahead of the half-hour mark, sending the sizable contingent of traveling NYC fans into a frenzy.

For the last hour of the match, the City defense rose once more to the challenge. Despite the Union’s persistent attack, only 5 of their 18 shots were put on target. The centerback pairing of Justin Haak and Thiago Martins was nearly impenetrable, with Raul Gustavo and Tayvon Gray equally impressive on either side of them.

Standing tall between the posts and playing hero multiple times was Matt Freese. The Pennsylvania native made his Major League Soccer debut for the Union back in 2019, and in 2021 manned Philadelphia’s goal against New York City as the Boys in Blue won 2-1 en route to their first MLS Cup title.

In his first postseason appearance against his former club, Freese put on a remarkable display. “Matty Ice” saved all 5 Union shots on goal, including an otherworldly stop at the near post against Francis Westfield in the 74th minute and a long-distance strike from Milan Iloski in 2nd half stoppage time.

NYC had only a few looks at Philly’s goal after Moralez opened the scoring, the most notable being a bold attempt by Nico Fernandez from midfield. Nico spotted Blake off his line before attempting to curl the ball past him from inside his own half, forcing the Jamaican international to sprint back and just barely clear the ball off the goal line. Blake instantly grabbed at his hamstring, and after a few minutes he was forced into a substitution.

The Union subbed on top prospect Cavan Sullivan with 10 minutes remaining in regulation, but the youngster was just barely unable to set up Bruno Damiani, whose shot was blocked at the top of the box. NYC were able to see out the final minutes, and again the stadium fell silent aside from the travelling fans as the full time whistle blew.

The win marks New York’s third trip to the Eastern Conference Finals, having visited the Union both in 2021 and 2022. Now New York will head down to Florida for their third matchup with Inter Miami CF this year. It will be the second postseason contest between the two clubs, with NYC winning 3-0 in 2022. This will be the first time they face Lionel Messi in the playoffs, with the all-time great winning the league’s Golden Boot and contributing to all four goals in their Eastern Conference Semifinal win over Cincinnati.

Kickoff from Chase Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale will be on Saturday, November 29, at 6pm. The winner will advance to the 2025 MLS Cup Final against newcomers San Diego FC or the Vancouver Whitecaps, slated for December 6 at 2:30pm.

New York City beat Red Bulls in First Hudson River Derby of 2025

BQE Admin on May 20, 2025

NYC avenge their 2024 playoff loss to RBNY at Citi Field

By Noah Zimmerman

Noah@queensledger.com

Justin Haak makes a sliding stop against the Red Bulls. NYC’s defense is among the best so far this season (Photos by Noah Zimmerman, @N.Z.Media)

New York is Blue to start the 2025 season. In their third match at Citi Field, New York City FC picked up a 2-0 Hudson River Derby win over the New York Red Bulls. It’s the first of two matchups this year, with NYC now winners of three straight regular season contests. 

Despite last year’s results, the Red Bulls won the first ever postseason matchup between the two clubs, ending NYC’s 2024 campaign at Citi Field with an identical scoreline. They would go on to the MLS Cup Final, narrowly falling to the LA Galaxy but claiming a second conference championship.

30,000 plus fans came out on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, including a strong traveling contingent of Red Bull fans. Home supporters unveiled a tifo celebrating their 2021 MLS Cup triumph and mocking the visitors’ recent defeat in the final. Both groups were in full voice for all 90 minutes.

New York City fans displayed a tifo poking fun at the Red Bulls MLS Cup Final loss, while bragging about their 2021 title

In the first 13th minutes, the Blues drew first blood. After dispossessing the Red Bulls, a quick series of passes set up Alonso Martinez for a long distance shot. He curled it over goalkeeper Carlos Coronel from beyond the box for his 7th goal of the campaign. Five minutes later, the Red Bulls shot-stopper got the better of the Costa Rican striker, making a stellar save on a breakaway.

NYC went on to double their advantage off of a brutal miscue by Coronel. The goalkeeper mishit the ball, giving it right to Martinez on the edge of the box. This time he laid it off to Maxi Moralez, who dribbled past the keeper and defenders for his first goal of the year. 

Red Bull defenders console Carlos Coronel after the GK’s mistake gifted NYC a second goal

Martinez had one last taste of the goal in stoppage time, but his second long-range strike bounced off the crossbar. Still, NYC’s two goals were their most in a game since a 4-3 defeat to Atlanta in late March.

A stellar City defense made sure to keep the Red Bulls from answering. NYC keeper Matt Freese didn’t face a single shot on target through the first half, comfortably saving the only one he’d face in the second. He finished with his 6th clean sheet of the year.

Birk Risa on the ball for NYC. The defensive line only allowed one shot on goal, an easy save for Matt Freese

With the win NYC finally found themselves back in the top half of the Eastern Conference, just three points from 4th in the East and 6th overall. They’re tied for the 4th best defensive record in the league. The scoring hasn’t come easily, but if New York City start putting the ball in the net more frequently, they’ll become a force to be reckoned with this season.

Up next for the Boys in Blue are clashes with Chicago on Sunday afternoon (5/25) and Houston on Wednesday night (5/28), both at Yankee Stadium. New York City FC will make their return to Citi Field in August when they host the Columbus Crew.

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