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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.”

Messi Scores Two in Queens as Miami beats NYC

BQE Admin on October 4, 2025

Boys in Blue bounce back with Hudson River Derby win and double over Red Bulls

By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

The World’s Borough showed out for Lionel Messi’s first ever match in Queens last week. A crowd of over 40,000 filled Citi Field as New York City FC hosted Inter Miami. It was a pivotal match for Eastern Conference seeding, as NYC mounted an impressive hike up the table, even bypassing Miami (despite them having two games in hand).

NYC entered the match in the East’s 3rd seed with Miami right behind in 4th but still within reach of the Supporters Shield and 1st overall seed due to their extra games left to play.

It’s been a budding rivalry in the conference, with the sides already engaging in some heated contests and fans pitted against each other. It’s no surprise that Messi has caught the attention of fans across the country, especially in an international soccer capital like New York City. It wasn’t surprising to see so many pink #10 shirts mixed into the sea of sky blue NYC gear.

On the field, it was a series of blown chances that cost New York a foothold against the Floridian side. In the first half there were two golden opportunities to score, but a point-blank Thiago Martins header was saved by Miami’s Oscar Ustari and a shot by Nico Fernandez glanced off the wrong side of the post. 

Miami made the hosts pay before the break. Despite being the better side in the first half, NYC went into the half trailing by one after an immaculate assist by Messi to set up Baltasar Rodriguez.

The visitors piled on in the second half, with Messi finding the net himself in the 74th minute. The Queens crowd erupted as fans watched the greatest of all time beat the back line and softly chip the ball over Matt Freese.

Dejected, NYC limped towards the finish line, but Messi and Miami weren’t done. Luis Suarez netted a penalty in the 83rd minute before Messi completed his brace with a beautiful back-post shot just a few minutes later. The four goals scored were the most allowed by NYC all year, dampening what was a brilliant defensive record. It was also the first defeat suffered at Citi Field this year.

Just a few days later, NYC marched across the Hudson River to take on the New York Red Bulls. This time they got out on the front foot early, with Fernandez scoring just 90 seconds in.

Despite the early goal NYC again had trouble converting key chances, allowing their rivals back into the match. Youngster Julian Hall struck back to equalize in the 23rd minute and despite a brilliant header by Andres Perea to reestablish the lead, blown chances kept NYC from decisively pulling away.

Once again New York were punished, as Red Bulls star Emil Forsberg scored in the first minutes of the second half to keep his club’s playoff hopes alive.

Almost 20 minutes later and for the third time in the match, New York City seized the lead. This time it was captain Thiago Martins punching home a loose ball on the goal line after an initial stop on a Perea attempt.

With NYC unable to extend their lead, they looked to see out a tense finish. After 10 minutes of stoppage time, the final whistle finally blew, giving the visitors the win and a league double over their rivals. New York City players lifted the Hudson River Derby trophy in front of a sizable crowd of travelling fans.

The loss marked the likely end for the Red Bulls’ 15-year playoff streak, a Major League Soccer record. They currently sit in 10th, 5 points behind Chicago for the final postseason spot with matches coming up against 2nd place Cincinnati and 8th place Columbus.

For New York City, the season will come to an end at Citi Field against the Seattle Sounders after a road match against the rival Philadelphia Union. Just a few more points will secure a top-4 seed, giving the Boys in Blue a guaranteed home match in the playoffs.

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