MLS
“A CHANGE WAS NEEDED” arrived in New York, he promised that he would strip down to his underwear and do push ups if his team ever won MLS Cup, and proved to be a man of his word and committed to the stunt despite the freezing temperatures in Portland. Deila knew the talent he had at his disposal and relied on his veterans to help his young core. New York’s experienced goalkeeper and captain Sean Johnson was named the MLS Cup MVP for an outstanding performance on the pitch, but he was just as valuable in the locker room for his club. “The way he has stepped up the last two months has been absolutely unbelievable,” Deila said of Johnson following the MLS Cup success. “And for me, he's the big, big winner. He wins us this game in the end. “The way he speaks to the team, the way he goes in front every day in training, bringing people together, and also when the big moment is coming, how he is the standout time after time. He's a winner, a real winner, and he's a leader. He's a captain that the whole club should be really, really proud of.” Johnson has been with the club since 2017 and was named captain prior to the start of the current campaign, a role he has thrived in. “So many ups, so many downs,” he said as he reflected on the game and the season. “And we just talked amongst ourselves before the game
COACH RONNY DELIA LIVED UP TO HIS WORD AND STRIPPED OFF FOR PUSH UPS AFTER LIFTING THE MLS CUP 54
SOCCER360 JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2022
ABOVE: Felipe Mora pulled Portland Timbers level late in the MLS Cup Final BELOW: Ronny Delia, coach of NYCFC TOP RIGHT: Sebastian Mendez for Orlando FC FAR RIGHT: Kreilach celebrating for Real Salt Lake
and just said, ‘It's a massive opportunity to make it all worth it,’ and this is what we live for, these moments to be the MVP of the finals. It means the world, but it means so much more to lift the cup for this club.” Ulimately, the team that entered the league looking to be the flashiest proved that it isn’t about big names or international superstars. Winning in MLS requires a long-term commitment to the project and the development of young stars along with having experienced veterans to help guide them. It wasn’t simply the talent on the pitch that led to NYCFC becoming champions, but rather the strength in character that they had developed through both the good and bad times. “In the end, if you keep believing, keep working hard and improve, you get what you deserve,” said Deila. “And this team, what they have done, they deserve to win MLS this year, and they did it. I'm unbelievably proud and grateful to be a part of it.” As a result of the club’s revamped philosophy, the future looks incredibly bright for the MLS Cup champions. In 2021, they inked Academy product Christian McFarlane to a homegrown contract through the 2026 season with an option for 2027 – the defender is just 14 years old. NYCFC are planning for a glorious future.
10.) MENDEZ MELTS MONTREAL One of the best parts of the MLS season is Decision Day, where sides on the cusp of making the MLS Cup Playoffs are all playing at the same time. It creates some amazing drama and some awesome moments. Take the Orlando City versus CF Montreal match in the frozen tundra of Saputo Stadium. With both sides neck-and-neck for the final playoff spot and a charged Montreal crowd, the atmosphere was electric with each attacking chance bringing the crowd to their feet. After 53 nervy minutes, Sebastian Mendez of Orlando earned his side the advantage with a thunderous strike from distance. The goal proved to be the difference as Orlando earned the number six spot in the Eastern Conference.
9.) KREILACH LIFTS RSL OVER SPORTING After a tumultuous 2020 season, no one expected much of Real Salt Lake in 2021. While the side certainly had some bumps along the way, Pablo Mastroeni’s side continued to stay in the playoff race getting results in a very difficult Western Conference. Their dogged pursuit of MLS’ second season paid off when Damir Kreilach scored the goahead goal in the 95th minute in their Decision Day match against Sporting Kansas City. 8.) UNDERMANNED UNION UNITE If there is one thing that is certain about American sports it is that the city of Philadelphia and its sports fans love an underdog. The sports-crazed city who counts Rocky as one of its heroes, had another underdog story that nearly paid off with the Philadelphia Union. While the Union were one of the top sides in the Eastern Conference, they were dealt a huge blow before the MLS Cup Conference Finals with the news that eleven of their players would be out due to the league’s COVID-19 Protocols. Without six starters and being forced to dip into their academy for depth, the Union surprised NYCFC taking the early lead. Although NYCFC would end up with the 2-1 win, the Union earned the respect of their supporters and their opponents showing their grit and determination in a very difficult situation.
