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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.

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.

Matt Freese Returns to NYC After Gold Cup Final Start

BQE Admin on July 14, 2025

Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

Matt Freese is making his return to New York City FC as they look ahead to their playoff push. (Photo: Noah Zimmerman, @n.z.media)

New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese is finally returning to the club following an impressive showing at the 2025 Gold Cup. The American shotstopper dazzled despite a loss to Mexico in the final, playing a big role in their path to the cup-deciding match.

In the quarterfinals, the tournament hosts were unable to fend off Costa Rica in regulation, conceding a 71st minute equalizer. In the resulting penalty shootout, it was Freese making a statement to send the Americans through to the semis.

The only penalty he didn’t get a hand to against Costa Rica came from his NYC teammate Alonso Martinez. The top scorer for the Boys in Blue winked at his ally-turned-foe before sending his shot down the middle.

Freese made stops on the second and fifth shots, getting a hand to the third and fourth. Legendary goalkeeper Keylor Navas answered with a save of his own on John Tolkin to extend the match.

By this point, Freese was in the zone. The whole stadium knew what was coming and sure enough he made a definitive stop with Damion Downs converting the winning kick for the US.

Against Gold Cup semifinal debutants Guatemala, Freese was able to see out an early 2-goal cushion. He made four saves, only allowing a goal in the 80th minute against an enthused opponent.

Freese was busy between the posts in the Cup Final against Mexico. He was able to stop 6 of the 8 shots on target, but couldnít do much on the two goals from Raul Jimenez and Edson Alvarez.

NYC’s goalkeeper will return for a pivotal stretch of the season. With 14 matches and the Leagues Cup remaining, Freese will look to help the Boys in Blue clinch a postseason berth and earn more silverware.

Matt Freese Displays PK Heroics in Gold Cup

webadmin on July 3, 2025

By Noah Zimmerman | noah@queensledger.com

Penalty heroics by New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese sent the United States through to the CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinals over Costa Rica. After a dramatic 2-2 match, the American shotstopper came up with a series of stops in the shootout.

The first to step up was Freese’s teammate Alonso Martinez, the leading goalscorer back in New York. Martinez was calm and collected, winking before slotting his spot kick down the middle. It would end up being the only shot Freese didn’t get a hand to.

Freese saved the second shot, this time diving to his left. On the third he went left again, but his touch couldn’t keep the shot out. Sebastian Berhalter followed that up with the first miss for the US, leveling the shootout after three rounds.

Freese came close to another save to his right, but again wasn’t able to keep the Costa Rican penalty out. This time Alex Freeman converted for the Americans to keep it tied entering round five.

With the game on the line, Freese came alive. With the Minnesota crowd behind him he made his second save of the shootout against Francisco Calvo, who had opened the scoring for Los Ticos from the penalty spot in the 12th minute. This time legendary goalkeeper Keylor Navas answered with a save on John Tolkin to extend the match.

By this point, Freese was in the zone. The whole stadium knew what was coming and sure enough “Matty Ice” pounced to his right for a definitive stop against Andy Rojas. Damion Downs converted the final penalty for the US, ending an enthralling quarterfinal match.

On Wednesday night, the US took the field against semifinal debutants Guatemala. La Azul also advanced in a shootout, stunning Canada in an all-time Gold Cup upset. The other semifinal matchup pinned cup-holders Mexico against El Salvador, seeking their first appearance in the final since 1981. The CONCACAF Gold Cup Final is Sunday, July 6 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Kickoff will be at 7pm on Fox.

Back in the Northeast, New York City FC will be eagerly awaiting the return of their top goalscorer and shotstopper. They sit in the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference as the season enters the final 15 matches. There is still plenty of time to secure a postseason berth, but NYC needs to build some momentum quickly in order to secure a top seed.



New York City FC Extinguish the Fire, Move to 6th in East

BQE Admin on May 27, 2025

New York City FC are starting to put it together. They now hold the 4th best defensive record in MLS as they climb the Eastern Conference standings. (Photo: Noah Zimmerman, @n.z.media)

By Noah Zimmerman

Noah@queensledger.com

Three goals and two red cards gave New York City FC a comfortable win at Yankee Stadium over Memorial Day Weekend. After conceding an opening goal to the visiting Chicago Fire, NYC found the net three times in the second half for a second straight win.

Chicago’s goal came in the 19th minute, a strike by Philip Zinckernagel with an assist by Jonathan Dean. New York left too much open space around the top of the box, allowing for a long-distance shot to settle in the bottom left corner. At the half-hour mark Chicago nearly doubled the lead, but the play was ruled offside.

The defensive task was made easier by a reckless move by Chicago’s Brian Gutierrez. The central midfielder seemed to jump into the body of NYC midfielder Aiden O’Neill, catching him in the face with his elbow. Gutierrez was given a straight red card and Chicago was sent down to 10 men.

NYC capitalized in the second half with a goal by Monsef Bakrar and a wonderful strike by Hannes Wolf. After a controversial second red for the Fire, Alonso Martinez sealed a 3-1 win from the penalty spot. 

The Boys in Blue entered the week 6th in the East. After their midweek match vs Houston they head to Nashville on Saturday before hosting Atlanta on June 12th.

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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