New York City FC looked like they were going to be leaving Portland as MLS Cup winners in regulation time. Having scored the game’s lone goal up to the final seconds of the contest, getting it via Valentin Castellanos, the league’s most potent scorer in the regular season, they were surely going to be the victors.
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The Timbers, on the other hand, didn’t go down without a fight in front of their home fans, so they had to work hard for the win. They staged a spectacular comeback in the 94th minute to force extra time, with Felipe Mora scoring off a furious scramble with seconds to go. After neither side scored in extra time, the game was decided on penalties. In penalties, NYCFC seized the lead for the second time, and this time they held on, winning 4-2 in the shootout when Alex Callens hammered home the game-winner. It was NYCFC’s first MLS Cup victory, and it deprived the hosts of the opportunity to celebrate with their own supporters.
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