New York City FC: Valentín Castellanos leads team to 3-1 win over Miami
On Saturday, New York City FC traveled down to the Sunshine State to take on Inter Miami CF. The Pigeons were looking to continue their streak after winning two in a row and clinch a spot in the playoffs before the final weekend of the regular season. Like their previous two matches, this fixture had to be treated like a playoff game, and once again, the pressure was on.
Since Miami sits toward the bottom of the table in the Eastern Conference despite having eleven wins this season, NYCFC evidently had the advantage. The team was the clear-cut better side on paper, but winning was not a guarantee. There have been struggles against bottom of the table sides, and winning on the road was scarce.
However, NYCFC traveled to Florida to take all three points, and did just that with a 3-1 win. It was not always pretty, but the team did what they were supposed to do.
The majority of the first half was dull for both sides. There were a lot of giveaways and poor passes. Plus, both teams had just one shot on target; the difference between the two is that for NYCFC, their shot on target turned into a goal.
Valentín Castellanos led New York City FC to a 3-1 win
In the 33rd minute, a poor giveaway by Miami led to Keaton Parks with the ball, and he saw Valentín Castellanos open and available. He passed the ball to the striker, who moved around multiple Miami defenders to create space. Then, Castellanos struck gold, and with a diagonal and fast-paced shot, put the ball into the left corner of the net. He not only put NYCFC up 1-0, but scored his fourth goal in the last three games.
After that goal, the match turned into a higher energy and back and forth affair. Both Miami and NYCFC increased their chances, and later on in the 56th minute, the home side levelled the score off of a Jorge Figal goal. Yet, that did not last long.
In the 60th minute, Maxi Moralez spotted Castellanos, and curled the ball on the ground toward his compatriot. The younger Argentine had no one blocking him, and controlled the ball to take another shot. John McCarthy, who came on for the injured Nick Marsman, was unable to make the save, and Castellanos put the Pigeons back in front.
The Argentine was not done though with impacting the match. Not only did he have five shots with two on target, but had an assist on the day too. In the 83rd minute, after a team break, he recognized Talles Magno was near him at the edge of the box. With a flick of his foot, he swept the ball over to the Young Designated Player, who sent the ball into the back of the net. Miami’s McCarthy was unable to stop him, and the Brazilian sealed the win for New York City FC.
The playoffs are near
The 3-1 win officially eliminated Inter Miami from the playoffs, and by the end of Saturday, NYCFC officially qualified for the playoffs. It was a vital win, and the Pigeons have scored in four games straight.
Hence, this winning streak has come at the right time. Before the Atlanta United match, there was a lot of doubt that NYCFC would even make the playoffs. Now, they not only will be in the postseason, but have a strong opportunity to host a playoff game as well.
More importantly, the Pigeons are scoring. They have11 goals in their last four games, which is essential after going through their four-game scoreless streak. Meanwhile Castellanos has five goals in the last three fixtures, which is what the team needs from their top goal-scoring attacker and Golden Boot contender.
Next, NYCFC will play the Philadelphia Union at home in the final fixture of the regular season next weekend. Both are competing for a top place finish, and it will likely be an exciting match. Hopefully, the Pigeons will continue their scoring streak, and win to hold onto a home playoff game. More crucially, they cannot take the foot off the pedal now, for they must continue to play well. Otherwise, the minute New York City FC steps off will be the moment their season likely ends.
Winning is the only way for the rest of 2021.