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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.

City Blues March on to Philadelphia for Conference Semis

BQE Admin on November 13, 2025

By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

New York City FC will return to visit the Philadelphia Union in the Eastern Conference Semifinals on November 23. After a thrilling 3-1 win in Charlotte, the Boys in Blue will again look to topple a top seed on the road. The match comes just under four years since they toppled the Union in Chester en route to their first ever MLS Cup Championship, and just over three years since the Union returned the favor in the Eastern Conference Finals before falling to LAFC in the cup final.

It was a trio of stunning goals that lifted New York over Charlotte FC for the second time in two visits. Nico Fernandez Mercau opened the scoring in first half stoppage time, carrying the ball from inside the city half after a strong physical challenge. With Alonso Martinez to his left, the Argentine continued his run, somehow guiding the ball across the goal and into the top corner.

Just five minutes into the second half, the visitors doubled the lead with another brilliant solo goal. A Maxi Moralez pass over Charlotte’s high defensive line fell perfectly for Martinez, who controlled the ball under pressure with grace. The Costa Rican international evaded a defender before slotting the ball under goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina and into the net.

Later in the half, City were dealt a rough blow as midfielder Andres Perea went down with a lower leg injury after an aerial duel. After a lengthy break he was carted off the field, later diagnosed to be a fracture. The club announced on Monday that Perea underwent surgery on his leg, with rehab beginning immediately. No timetable was given for his return, but it’s not likely he will return this postseason.

Following Perea’s injury, Charlotte looked for a lifeline with their season once more on the ropes. With 10 minutes remaining in regulation they finally found a breakthrough as Archie Goodwin was able to lay the ball off perfectly for Idan Toklomati. 

It would be Charlotte’s lone goal in the three-game series, as New York City’s defense stood strong to close out the final minutes of the match. Even with a monumental 12 minutes of stoppage time, the hosts were unable to break through Thiago Martins and Justin Haak in the back line. Matt Freese only faced one shot on target, with Charlotte’s other 14 redirected away from goal.

“I don’t know how many blocks Justin [Haak] had in the first 10 minutes,” commented Freese following the match. “The defensive line putting their bodies on the line is something we’ve worked on, and I’m very grateful for it. That type of thing leads to wins, energy, and it shushes the crowd.”

As the match clock ticked past the 100th minute, Nico Fernandez Mercau again had a say in stoppage time. This time a strong move by Hannes Wolf allowed the Austrian to maintain possession after a sliding challenge. The winger carried the ball into the box before laying it off to Fernandez who again finessed the ball off the woodwork and in. It was the first time since late September that NYC scored more than once in a match.

Now New York is set to face off against one of their most bitter rivals. This year against Philadelphia each club has defended home turf. In April NYC defeated the Union at Citi Field with Alonso Martinez scoring the lone goal in the match. In early October the Union clinched the Supporters Shield for the second time in franchise history with a 1-0 win.

It will take another fiery defensive performance and more moments of magic from their attackers to best the league’s top seed on the road. Philly led Major League Soccer with a solid defensive record, keeping 14 clean sheets and only allowing 35 goals. While the Wild Card winning Fire forced a penalty shootout in Game 1, the Union came out on top 4-2, ending the series in Game 2 with a 3-0 win in Chicago. 

Philadelphia will look to become the eighth Shield-winners to follow up their regular season with postseason glory. New York will look to again become the road warriors they were in 2021. As the only lower seed to advance out of the first round, they will be the visitors the rest of their cup run.

A $340 Million Mishap as Mets Miss Postseason

BQE Admin on October 2, 2025

Young arms, Minor League championships turn heads towards future

By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

With the second-highest payroll in the Majors, the New York Mets missed the postseason in what can only be considered an abject failure. Despite a roster ripe with talent and the team’s red hot start that saw them lead the National League at multiple points, the season came to a close with a 4-0 loss in Miami.

The Mets finished level with Cincinnati, both holding 83-79 records, but the Reds earned the tiebreaker with a 4-2 record against New York to clinch the final Wild Card spot in the NL. As Francisco Lindor grounded into a season-ending double play, Mets players shared looks of dismay, disbelief, and shock that their 2025 campaign had come to a premature halt.

As any division rival should, the Marlins clearly took pride in playing spoiler. Miami played New York very well all season long, winning the season series 7-6. They were victorious in 5 of the 7 games played against New York in the back half of the season, only finishing 4 games behind the Mets with a payroll roughly one fifth the size.

“Mets fans everywhere. I owe you an apology. You did your part by showing up and supporting the team. We didn’t do our part,” said owner Steve Cohen in a somber statement. “We are all feeling raw emotions today. I know how much time and effort you have put into this team. The result was unacceptable. Your emotions tell me how much you care and continues to motivate the organization to do better.”

A notable point in the Mets downfall was the lack of improvement following the trade deadline. While the acquisitions of Ryan Helsley and Tyler Rogers gave New York one of the best bullpens in MLB on paper, Helsley panned out as one of the club’s worst ever deadline pickups, with Rogers failing to find consistency.

Additionally, Cedric Mullins provided little improvement in CF despite an injury to Tyrone Taylor. He struggled to make an impact despite providing adequate defense in the outfield.

New Mets star Juan Soto acknowledged this season’s failure but remained optimistic about the future. He put together his first ever 30/30 season, leading the National League in stolen bases with 38 (tied with Oneil Cruz). He finished just two stolen bases shy of a 40/40 campaign, setting a new career high with 42 homers in 2025.

Another bright spot this year was the young pitching. Nolan McLean, Jonah Tong, and Brandon Sproat showed tremendous potential for the future, as pitching depth was a clear weakness all season long. Whether all three begin the 2026 season in the Majors remains to be seen, but all were up for the challenge as they tried to push New York into October baseball.

Mets Minor League affiliates also celebrated success this year. In the past few weeks, both the Brooklyn Cyclones and the Binghamton Rumble Ponies claimed league championships. Despite the MLB team coming up short, there is a good deal of talent awaiting their chance to prove themselves at the game’s highest level.

Polonia SC Complete CSL Division 1 Double With Playoff Final Win

BQE Admin on June 13, 2025

Brooklyn Side Will Defend Their Titles in the 2025-26 Cosmoleague Season

By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

Polonia Soccer Club have followed up their first ever Cosmopolitan Soccer League regular season championship with their third playoff title. In a thrilling matchup at Randall’s Island they were able to fend off a NY International FC side starved for glory, winning in a penalty shootout.

It was a 3-1 win for Polonia at McCarren Park when the two sides last met in league play, with the hosts all but sealing their league title. This time they were finally held scoreless by the Lions, who were right on their heels all season long.

In goal for NYIFC it was Gary Philpott coming up big multiple times. After heroics last week in the match and penalty shootout against FC Sandzak he made a few vital saves against Polonia. Despite glorious passing and a handful of chances, the league winners were unable to beat the International shot-stopper.

Polonia’s defense was as sharp as ever, as they continued to lock down the highest scoring side in the division. Goalkeeper Carter Dutton-Kneaves kept yet another clean sheet, with some big help from defenders Sam Resnick and Lukasz Bielen.

With both sides unable to score, the playoff was decided by a shootout. It was International’s second straight of the postseason after defeating Sandzak 4-2 at Roosevelt Island. Just like the week before, Philpott made a crucial penalty save to give the Lions an advantage.

Unfortunately for the league runners-up, the penalty save was matched soon after by Dutton-Kneaves. Another International spot kick was sent wide, as Polonia converted their other four shots to seal the title.

“We couldn’t be any more proud of how the season ended, these titles belong to everyone.  It’s a club win for the history books,” said coach Corey Smith.

As offered to the CSL regular season winners, Polonia had the choice to be promoted to the American Premier Soccer League (APSL). They made the difficult choice to forgo promotion, returning to McCarren Park to defend both their titles in the CSL next season.

“Those PK’s illustrate what we’re building, with the old guard and new blood scoring and saving pens side by side,” said Smith. “We’re building a stronger club that will stay successful for years to come.”

JJ: “Will The Garden Party Continue In The Eastern Conference Finals?”

BQE Admin on May 20, 2025

By John Jastremski

For the first time in 25 years, the New York Knicks are playing in the Eastern Conference Finals. 

Last Friday night, the Knicks sent the Celtics packing for Cancun with a performance that will live forever in Knicks lure. 

The Knicks finished off the Celtics in a wire to wire, resounding 119-81 victory and to be honest the final score doesn’t even do the beatdown justice. 

The Knicks finished off the defending champs, who lost star Jayson Tatum after Game 4 due to a devastating achilles injury, but that said, don’t let the Tatum injury take away from the Knicks vibes of the past series. 

The Knicks were cruising to a 3-1 series lead advantage before the injury took place late in the 4th quarter. 

They were the better team in the series and that was obvious in almost every single 4th quarter of the series. 

Now, the Knicks are four wins away from a place they have not been since 1999. The NBA Finals. 

How appropriate is it that the team that’s standing in their way of an Eastern Conference Crown is the same team that knocked out the Knicks a year ago. 

The Indiana Pacers. 

Make no mistake, the Pacers are a very dangerous team. 

They are 9 plus deep in their rotation, they place a ridiculously fast pace that is tough to contend with and Rick Carlisle is one of the best coaches in the NBA. 

In addition, Tyrese Haliburton has emerged as one of the game’s biggest stars and has been lights out this entire postseason despite some of the “overrated” criticism that was thrown his way earlier in the season. 

The Knicks will have their hands full with the Pacers, but there’s a lot to like coming into the series. 

The Knicks toughness and defensive intensity is an element that the Pacers have not matched up with quite yet this postseason run. 

In addition, the Knicks did not have Karl Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges in their series a year ago.

Both Towns and Bridges had brilliant regular season games against the Pacers in the regular season.

I expect both to pay major dividends in this series.

The Pacers will be a formidable opponent in the Eastern Conference Finals. However, with the grit and toughness of this Knicks group combined with the fact that they have Jalen Brunson who is the best player in the series, it’s impossible for me to go against the wave. 

Knicks in a hard fought 7 games.

And if that happens, oh baby what a party on 7th avenue will it be.

You can listen to my podcast New York, New York on The Ringer Podcast Network on Spotify/Apple Podcasts following every Knicks ECF Game. You can watch me nightly on Honda Sports Nite following the Mets postgame on SNY.

Jastremski: Comeback Blueshirts Conference Finals Bound

Dan on June 1, 2022

All season long, the New York Rangers have continued to find ways to win.

In some ways, it shouldn’t surprise anyone what this team has been able to accomplish so far this postseason.

However, in other ways. It should!

The Rangers have won five consecutive games facing elimination. No easy feat.

They were down 3-1 against the Penguins and found a way to rally.

In the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Carolina Hurricanes, the Rangers found themselves in familiar territory.

After a lackluster Game 5 effort, the Rangers proceeded to outscore Carolina 11-4 in the final two games of the series advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2015.

The Rangers dominating 6-2 Game 7 win was the first home loss for the Carolina Hurricanes all postseason.

The Rangers beat the Hurricanes because of two main reasons.

Special Teams and goaltending.

The Rangers power-play was responsible for the first two goals of Game 7. Adam Fox and Chris Kreider delivered in ways that the Carolina Hurricanes could not.

There was no comparison between the Rangers and Hurricanes power play units.

In addition, there was no comparison between goaltenders.

Igor Shesterskin was spectacular in all seven games in net.

The goaltender advantage was overwhelming for the Blueshirts.

They will not have the same advantage going into the Conference Finals against the two time defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Lightning are on the verge of a dynasty, they are battle tested and well rested.

Is this a series you expect the Rangers to win, probably not.

Guess what, doesn’t matter.

The Rangers have spunk, they have terrific goaltending and special teams and they have nothing to lose.

A young, emerging Rangers team against a budding dynasty.

I’ve learned my lesson with this Rangers group, don’t count them out.

You can listen to my podcast New York, New York every Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday on the Ringer Podcast Network on Spotify & Apple Podcasts. You can also watch me nightly on Geico Sportsnight on SNY.

Free playoff tickets, vaccines at Barclays Center

Dan on May 26, 2021

A return to the playoffs is a testament to how far the Brooklyn Nets have come since its move to the borough in 2012. Now, it will also serve as a testament to how far New York City has come in its own battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last week, the Nets announced a new partnership with the mayor’s office and mobile medical service provider DocGo to bring a vaccination site to a location across the street from Barclays Center.
The site will offer free vaccines to qualified individuals ages 12 and older the day before and the day of any Nets home playoff games.The program will last as long as the Nets are in the postseason, and everyone vaccinated at the site will be automatically entered into a lottery for free tickets to a home playoff game.
“Providing Nets fans and our community with quick and convenient access to vaccines is crucial in continuing to open both our arena and local businesses safely,” said Mandy Gutmann, senior vice president of Communications and Community Relations at BSE Global, the company that operates Barclays Center. “We appreciate the mayor’s office and DocGo for making this important initiative possible.
“Additionally, after the incredibly challenging year that many have experienced, we are looking forward to teaming up with the Task Force on Racial Inclusion and Equity to distribute Nets playoff tickets to fully vaccinated individuals,” she added. “It is our hope that this effort will not only build excitement around the NBA Playoffs, but promote the benefits of becoming vaccinated.”
Mayor Bill de Blasio spoke about the program during a recent press conference, comically donned a Nets jersey under a blue dress shirt.
“This is going to be another extraordinary effort to get people vaccinated and keep everyone safe,” said de Blasio. “Go there, get vaccinated and enter the lottery.”
The new vaccine site is specifically designed for residents from the 33 neighborhoods that have been identified by the City’s Task Force on Racial Inclusion and Equity as the hardest hit by the pandemic.
These include Bed-Stuy, Bushwick, East New York, Sunset Park, Coney Island, Flatbush, Midwood, Brownsville, and Canarsie. Residents from these neighborhoods who have already been vaccinated may still enter the lottery by visiting the vaccine site.
Walk-up appointments will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointments can also be made in advance by visiting vaccinefinder.nyc.gov and selecting “Barclays Center: Modell’s” as the site.

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