MLS Cup 2021

MLS Cup 2021

Aerial view of Providence Park, the host venue of MLS Cup 2021
Event	MLS Cup
Portland Timbers New York City FC 1 1
After extra time New York City FC won 4–2 on penalties
Date	December 11, 2021
Venue	Providence Park, Portland, Oregon, U.S.
MLS Cup MVP	Sean Johnson (New York City FC) [1]
Referee	Armando Villarreal
Attendance	25,218
Weather	Rain, 49 °F (9 °C)
← 2020 2022 →

MLS Cup 2021 was the 26th edition of the MLS Cup, the championship match of Major League Soccer (MLS) at the conclusion of the 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs. The soccer match was played on December 11, 2021, at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon, United States. It was contested by hosts Portland Timbers and New York City FC to determine the champion of the 2021 season.

New York City FC won their first MLS Cup title by defeating the Timbers in a penalty shootout following a 1–1 draw in regulation and extra time. NYCFC goalkeeper Sean Johnson was named the match's most valuable player (MVP) for his performance in the shootout, which included two saves. The match was broadcast by ABC and drew an audience of 1.14 million viewers in the United States.

Road to the final

Further information: 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs

The MLS Cup is the post-season championship of Major League Soccer (MLS), a professional club soccer league in the United States and Canada. The 2021 season was the 26th in MLS history, and was contested by 27 teams organized into the eastern and western conferences. Each team played 34 matches during the regular season from April to early November, primarily against intra-conference opponents with the schedule varying based on conference to minimize travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ^{[2] [3]} The playoffs, running from November to early December, were contested between the top seven clubs in each conference through four rounds. Each round had a single-elimination match hosted by the higher-seeded team; the top team in each conference was also given a bye to the Conference Semifinals. ^{[4] [5]}

The finalists, the Portland Timbers and New York City FC (NYCFC), both finished as the fourth seed in the western and eastern conferences, respectively. The Timbers finished with four more points and were named hosts for the MLS Cup final. ^[6] Portland previously won the MLS Cup in the 2015 final and lost in the 2018 final, while NYCFC had never advanced to a previous final. The two clubs did not play each other in the regular season and last met in the 2020 MLS is Back Tournament quarterfinals, where the Timbers won 3–1. ^[7] It was the seventh consecutive season where the Western Conference champion was either Portland or their rivals Seattle Sounders FC, who have won the cup twice. ^[8]

Portland Timbers

Main article: 2021 Portland Timbers season

The Portland Timbers had previously won the MLS Cup in 2015 and finished as runners-up in 2018 under new manager Giovanni Savarese. ^[9] During the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, the club finished as champions of the MLS is Back Tournament in Florida and third in the Western Conference, ^[10] but were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by FC Dallas in a penalty shootout. ^[11] During the 2020–21 offseason, the Timbers traded away two of their left backs, Jorge Villafaña and Marco Farfan, and acquired wingbacks Claudio Bravo and Josecarlos Van Rankin as replacements. ^[12] The club also signed Chilean striker Felipe Mora to a permanent contract after his one-year loan from Pumas UNAM expired. ^[13] Portland were expected to rely heavily on their veteran midfield trio of Diego Chará, Diego Valeri, and Sebastián Blanco (who was injured for most of the 2020 season). ^{[12] [14]}

Portland started the season with three wins and four losses in their first seven matches, earning nine points and holding seventh place in the Western Conference by June. ^[15] The Timbers also played in the CONCACAF Champions League, having qualified through the MLS is Back Tournament, and were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Club América in early May. ^[16] The inconsistent performances were blamed in part on the loss of several key players to injuries, including winger Andy Polo, starting goalkeepers Jeff Attinella and Steve Clark, backup goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic, and midfielder Diego Chará. ^{[17] [18]} By the end of May, ten of their players were listed as injured or otherwise unable to play. ^{[19] [6]}

Following an early June break in league play for the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup, the Timbers were able to earn a win against Sporting Kansas City and a comeback draw with the Houston Dynamo to reach fifth in the conference. ^[20] Savarese used different formations in each match to rotate players, switching from a 4–2–3–1 against Kansas City to a 5–2–3 for Houston and a subsequent match against Minnesota United FC that ended in a loss. ^[21] Portland dropped below the playoffs cutoff to eighth place in the west following road losses to Austin FC, Minnesota, and the LA Galaxy in July; the club had, however, won their two home matches against FC Dallas and Los Angeles FC. ^[22]

During the summer transfer window, Portland signed midfielders George Fochive as a replacement for Polo and Santiago Moreno as a Young Designated Player; ^{[23] [24]} the club also traded Jeremy Ebobisse to the San Jose Earthquakes, a move that opened a starting role for striker Felipe Mora. ^[25] The Timbers re-entered playoff contention in early August by tying San Jose Earthquakes and defeating Real Salt Lake to begin a three-match homestand, which finished with a 6–2 loss to rivals Seattle Sounders FC. ^{[26] [27]} Several prominent players began to return from injuries, including Sebastián Blanco, striker Jarosław Niezgoda, defender Larrys Mabiala, and goalkeeper Steve Clark, but the team remained shorthanded and began a stretch of five away matches by drawing against Austin and losing to Kansas City. ^{[28] [29]}

After dropping to ninth place in the west, the Timbers closed out August with a 2–0 win against the Sounders in the middle of five consecutive road matches, but lost midfielder Eryk Williamson for the rest of the season due to an ACL tear. ^[30] The match was the first of an eight-game undefeated streak (including seven wins) that lasted through September and allowed them to rise up to fourth place in the conference. ^{[28] [31]} The streak was snapped by a loss to the LA Galaxy that was followed by two more losses to Vancouver Whitecaps FC and the Colorado Rapids, but Portland remained in fourth place. ^[32] The Timbers clinched a playoff berth in their last match of October, winning 2–0 against San Jose, and finished the season by defeating Real Salt Lake and Austin FC. ^{[33] [34]} Portland finished the 2021 regular season with 55 points and 17 wins, setting a club record for their time in MLS, and earned the fourth playoffs seed in the Western Conference. ^{[34] [35]}

Portland began their playoffs run with a 3–1 victory at home against fifth-place Minnesota United FC, breaking a seven-match winless streak against the visitors, in the first round. Franco Fragapane scored the opening goal for Minnesota with a sliding shot in the 11th minute, but Larrys Mabiala's header shortly before half-time tied the match. The Timbers took the lead in the 48th minute with a strike from Blanco, who had been treated for an injury before half-time and went on to score his second goal in the 67th minute with a 22-yard (20 m) shot. ^[36] Portland advanced to the Conference Semifinals, hosted by the top-seeded Colorado Rapids on Thanksgiving, and won 1–0 with a Mabiala goal in the 90th minute amid a scramble in the penalty area. The team, however, lost Blanco to an injury in the 50th minute and would be without Dairon Asprilla, who was suspended for earning a red card in stoppage time. ^[37]

The Timbers hosted seventh-place Real Salt Lake, who had produced two upsets in the 2021 playoffs, in a rematch of the 2013 Western Conference Final. ^[38] Portland took the lead in the fifth minute through a shot by Felipe Mora, who redirected a mishit clearance from RSL defender Aaron Herrera in the penalty area. Santiago Moreno then extended the lead in the 61st minute, scoring his first MLS goal with a strike from 25 yards (23 m) that hit the post and was deflected off goalkeeper David Ochoa into the goal. The Timbers advanced to the MLS Cup final with their 2–0 victory, breaking a winless streak against RSL in playoff matches. ^[39]

New York City FC

Main article: 2021 New York City FC season

New York City FC entered the league as an expansion team in 2015 and qualified for the playoffs in six consecutive seasons beginning in 2016. The team reached the Conference Semifinals five times, but had never advanced beyond that stage. ^{[40] [41]} The 2020 season, their first under new manager Ronny Deila, ended with a fifth-place finish in the Eastern Conference and a first round exit from the playoffs in a penalty shootout against Orlando City SC. ^{[42] [43]}

During the offseason, City traded away former captain Alexander Ring and defender Rónald Matarrita to other MLS clubs and signed several young players in their place. Among them were midfielder Alfredo Morales, winger Thiago Andrade, and left backs Malte Amundsen and Chris Gloster to replace Matarrita. ^[44] The 2021 season also saw the return of attacking midfielder Maximiliano Moralez, one of two Designated Players on the team, who missed most of the 2020 season due to multiple injuries. ^{[45] [46]} Unlike its early seasons where the team relied on veteran players from European leagues, NYCFC had instead opted to invest in younger talent from South America scouted from smaller leagues. ^{[47] [48]}

NYCFC started the season with the best goal differential in the Eastern Conference but went winless for three weeks in May and entered the June break in fourth place. ^[49] The team were then without goalkeeper Sean Johnson and James Sands during the Gold Cup, as well as new signing Talles Magno due to an injury, as they entered a stretch of 10 matches in 36 days beginning in mid-July. ^[50] The team reached second in the East by early August, but later went on a stretch of 10 matches with only one victory. ^[51]

NYCFC finished fourth in the East and began their 2021 playoffs run by defeating Atlanta United FC 2–0 in the first round at home, scoring twice within four minutes in the second half. ^[52] NYCFC advanced to play Supporters' Shield champions New England Revolution in the Conference Semifinals at Gillette Stadium, where they drew 2–2 after extra time despite leading goalscorer Valentín Castellanos being sent off by earning a second yellow card. New York City earned an upset victory by winning the ensuing penalty shootout 5–3 after Adam Buksa's shot was saved by Sean Johnson. ^[53]

Their Eastern Conference Final opponents, the Philadelphia Union, were unable to field a full roster due to the absence of 11 players—including several starters—required to quarantine under the league's COVID protocols. ^[54] New York City FC won 2–1 against the Union, conceding first but equalizing within 90 seconds and going on to score a match-winning goal in the 87th minute. ^[55]

Summary of results

Note: In all results below, the score of the finalist is given first (H: home; A: away).

Portland Timbers		Round	New York City FC
4th place in Western Conference Pos Team v t e Pld Pts 1 Colorado Rapids 34 61 2 Seattle Sounders FC 34 60 3 Sporting Kansas City 34 58 4 Portland Timbers 34 55 5 Minnesota United FC 34 49 6 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 34 49 7 Real Salt Lake 34 48 Source: MLS      Qualified for playoffs      Qualified for CONCACAF Champions League		Regular season	4th place in Eastern Conference Pos Team v t e Pld Pts 1 New England Revolution 34 73 2 Philadelphia Union 34 54 3 Nashville SC 34 54 4 New York City FC (C) 34 51 5 Atlanta United FC 34 51 6 Orlando City SC 34 51 7 New York Red Bulls 34 48 Source: MLS (C) Champions      Qualified for playoffs      Qualified for CONCACAF Champions League
Opponent	Score	MLS Cup Playoffs	Opponent	Score
Minnesota United FC	3–1 (H)	First round	Atlanta United FC	2–0 (H)
Colorado Rapids	1–0 (A)	Conference Semifinals	New England Revolution	2–2 (5–3  p) (A)
Real Salt Lake	2–0 (H)	Conference Finals	Philadelphia Union	2–1 (A)

Venue

Providence Park in Portland, Oregon, the home venue of the Portland Timbers, hosted the MLS Cup final for the first time in its history. It was built as a multi-purpose venue in 1926 and renovated in 2011 into a soccer-specific stadium for the Timbers' MLS debut; following an expansion completed in 2019, Providence Park holds 25,218 spectators. ^{[56] [57]} Prior to its renovations, the stadium had hosted the 1977 Soccer Bowl, the championship game of the original North American Soccer League, and several matches during the 1999 and 2003 editions of the FIFA Women's World Cup. ^[58] The 2015 and 2018 NWSL Championships were also played at Providence Park, along with the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup Championship. ^{[59] [60]}

Tickets went on sale on December 7, beginning with season ticket holders who had renewed for the 2022 season and followed by other season ticket holders and the general public. The match was declared sold out within 20 minutes of the first release, with only general admission seating left available, amid an Amazon Web Services outage that affected SeatGeek, the league's ticket vendor. ^{[61] [62]} The Timbers Army, the club's largest supporters group, distributed 1,000 priority entry wristbrands for the general admission section the day before the MLS Cup final; ^[63] a line began forming outside Providence Park several days before. ^{[64] [65]} By December 11, ticket prices on secondary and resale markets ranged from $550 to $2,500, with an average of $779. ^{[62] [66]}

NYCFC were allocated five sections for away supporters as part of the league's distribution of tickets; the club announced plans to subsidize some tickets, pricing them at $10. ^[61] The club also hosted an official viewing party for the MLS Cup final at the Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan. ^[67]

Broadcasting

The match was broadcast in the United States on ABC in English and UniMás and TUDN in Spanish. The Canadian broadcast was carried on TSN in English and TVA Sports in French. ^[68] The ABC broadcast featured Jon Champion as the play-by-play announcer and Taylor Twellman as color commentator, along with Sam Borden as sideline reporter and Mark Clattenburg as rules analyst. ^[69] It was filmed with 28 cameras, including nine fixed cameras, four goalpost cameras, and a skycam above the pitch. ^[70] The UniMás broadcast featured commentary from Luis Omar Tapia, Diego Balado, Ramses Sandoval, and Daniel Nohra. ^[71] The match was also broadcast internationally in 200 countries, including on ESPN International in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Oceania. ^{[69] [72]} The national anthem was performed before the match by Portugal. The Man, a Portland-based alternative rock band. ^[73]

The ABC broadcast was watched by an average of 1.14 million viewers, peaking at 1.63 million during the penalty shootout. It was slightly higher than the Fox broadcast for MLS Cup 2020 and 38 percent higher than the MLS Cup 2019 broadcast on ABC, but lower than the Thanksgiving playoff match featuring Colorado and Portland. ^[74] The top viewing markets included Portland, where the match garnered a 11.7 rating, Greenville, South Carolina, Seattle, and New York City. ^[75] The UniMás and TUDN broadcast in Spanish drew 354,000 viewers. ^[76]

Match

Summary

A view of the match from the north stand

The final began at 12:23 p.m. at Providence Park, in front of a sold-out crowd of 25,218 spectators. ^[77] The official match ball for the 2022 season was used in the match, making an early debut. ^[78] Valentín Castellanos opened the scoring for NYCFC in the 41st minute through a header off a free kick that slipped through the gloves of goalkeeper Steve Clark. During the goal celebration, Jesús Medina was hit in the face by one of two beer cans thrown from the stands, resulting in a brief pause in the match. ^[79] The Timbers equalized in the fourth minute of stoppage time, the latest regulation-time goal in MLS Cup history, as Felipe Mora struck from within the penalty area off a rebounded ball. ^[77] The match remained tied after extra time and proceeded into a penalty shootout, which NYCFC won 4–2 in five rounds. Goalkeeper Sean Johnson (named the match's MVP) made two saves on penalties attempted by Mora and Diego Valeri in the early rounds, while Alexander Callens scored the last kick in the fifth round. ^[80]

Details

December 11, 2021 (2021-12-11)

12:00 p.m. PST

Portland Timbers	1–1 (a.e.t.)	New York City FC
Mora 90+4'	Report	Castellanos 41'
Penalties
Mora Valeri Moreno Paredes	2–4	Castellanos Morales Moralez Talles Magno Callens

Providence Park , Portland, Oregon, U.S.

Attendance: 25,218

Referee: Armando Villarreal

Portland Timbers

New York City FC

GK 12 Steve Clark RB 2 Josecarlos Van Rankin  59'  89' CB 33 Larrys Mabiala CB 13 Dario Župarić LB 5 Claudio Bravo CM 21 Diego Chará (c)  90' CM 20 George Fochive  62' RW 23 Yimmi Chará AM 10 Sebastián Blanco  62' LW 27 Dairon Asprilla  84' CF 9 Felipe Mora Substitutes: GK 31 Aljaž Ivačič DF 25 Bill Tuiloma DF 28 Pablo Bonilla DF 85 Zac McGraw MF 8 Diego Valeri  89' MF 22 Cristhian Paredes  62' MF 30 Santiago Moreno  62' MF 44 Marvin Loría FW 11 Jarosław Niezgoda  84' Head coach: Giovanni Savarese

GK 1 Sean Johnson (c)  88' RB 24 Tayvon Gray CB 4 Maxime Chanot CB 6 Alexander Callens LB 20 Guðmundur Þórarinsson  90+2' CM 16 James Sands CM 7 Alfredo Morales RW 19 Jesús Medina  90+1'  95' AM 10 Maximiliano Moralez LW 42 Santiago Rodríguez  80'  80' CF 11 Valentín Castellanos Substitutes: GK 13 Luis Barraza DF 12 Malte Amundsen  90+2' MF 15 Tony Rocha MF 23 Gedion Zelalem MF 26 Nicolás Acevedo FW 8 Thiago Andrade FW 9 Héber FW 17 Ismael Tajouri-Shradi  80' FW 43 Talles Magno  95' Head coach: Ronny Deila

MLS Cup MVP: Sean Johnson (New York City FC) [1] Assistant referees: [81] Frank Anderson Oscar Mitchell-Carvalho Fourth official: Fotis Bazakos Reserve assistant referee: Jeremy Hanson Video assistant referee: Chris Penso Assistant video assistant referee: Cory Richardson

Match rules [82] A single match with 90 minutes of regulation time. 30 minutes of extra time (divided into 15-minute halves) if necessary. Penalty shootout if scores still level. Maximum of nine named substitutes. Maximum of five substitutions, with a sixth allowed in extra time. Each team was only given three opportunities to make substitutions, with a fourth opportunity in extra time, excluding substitutions made at half-time, before the start of extra time and at half-time in extra time. Two additional substitutions are available for concussed players.

Post-match

NYCFC became the fourteenth team to win the MLS Cup and the first from the New York City area. ^[83] They also became the fourth City Football Group team to win a national championship in 2021. ^[84] It was the first top-flight soccer championship for the region since the New York Cosmos won the 1982 Soccer Bowl; the cross-town New York Red Bulls had played in MLS Cup 2008, but lost to the Columbus Crew. The title was also the first for any of the city's major professional sports team since the New York Giants won Super Bowl XLVI in 2012. ^[80] As MLS Cup champions, NYCFC qualified for the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League, where they were eliminated in the semifinals by Seattle Sounders FC. ^{[85] [86]}

A ceremony at New York City Hall with attendance limited to 1,000 people was held on December 14 to celebrate NYCFC's MLS Cup title. Mayor Bill de Blasio awarded keys to the city to members of the team. ^[87] The traditional ticker tape parade, offered to any local sports team that wins a national title, was declined by NYCFC due to "the team's capacity". ^[88] The championship banner at Yankee Stadium was raised at their 2022 home opener and was ridiculed due to its small size. ^[89]

Two Portland Timbers spectators were arrested after they allegedly threw cans at NYCFC forward Jesus Medina on the field following NYCFC's goal in the 46th minute. ^[90]

References

1. Sigal, Jonathan (December 11, 2021). "NYCFC goalkeeper Sean Johnson named MLS Cup MVP pres. by Audi". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
2. Goff, Steven (March 24, 2021). "MLS adjusts schedule because of covid concerns, keeps most games in-conference". The Washington Post . Retrieved December 4, 2021.
3. "With 2021 season close, MLS releases full schedule". Reuters. March 24, 2021. Retrieved December 4, 2021.
4. West, Phil (September 9, 2021). "Five things to know about the Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved December 4, 2021.
5. "MLS announces Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs schedule". MLSsoccer.com. September 9, 2021. Archived from the original on September 13, 2021. Retrieved December 4, 2021.
6. Creditor, Avi (December 6, 2021). "The Ties That Bind MLS Cup Finalists Portland, NYCFC". Sports Illustrated . Retrieved December 7, 2021.
7. Odom, Joel (December 5, 2021). "MLS Cup matchup set: Portland Timbers will host New York City FC". The Oregonian . Retrieved December 5, 2021.
8. "Portland Timbers win continues Pacific Northwest dominance of Western Conference titles". MLSsoccer.com. December 4, 2021. Retrieved December 4, 2021.
9. Bonagura, Kyle (December 4, 2021). "Portland Timbers' Major League Soccer dream becomes a reality". ESPN. Retrieved December 5, 2021.
10. Murray, Caitlin (November 9, 2020). "Portland Timbers draw LAFC in comeback, finish 3rd in West as attacking questions remain for playoffs". The Oregonian. Retrieved December 5, 2021.
11. Peterson, Anne M. (November 22, 2020). "Timbers' season ends on penalty shootout loss to FC Dallas". The Columbian . Associated Press . Retrieved December 5, 2021.
12. Bogert, Tom (April 5, 2021). "Portland Timbers 2021 Season Preview". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved December 5, 2021.
13. "Portland Timbers sign Chile forward Felipe Mora from Liga MX's Pumas". ESPN FC. January 19, 2021. Retrieved December 5, 2021.
14. "2021 MLS season guide: How to watch, team previews, betting odds and another expansion team". The Athletic . April 15, 2021. Retrieved December 5, 2021.
15. "Portland Thorns bounce back; Timbers arrive at much-needed international break: Soccer Weekend". The Oregonian. June 4, 2021. Retrieved December 5, 2021.
16. Murray, Caitlin (May 5, 2021). "Portland Timbers fall to Liga MX powerhouse Club América, end CONCACAF Champions League run in quarterfinals". The Oregonian. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
17. Murray, Caitlin (May 13, 2021). "Injuries piling up for Portland Timbers, with goalkeeper Jeff Attinella out for season and midfielder Diego Chara sidelined by hamstring strain". The Oregonian. Retrieved December 5, 2021.
18. Kovzan, Sam (June 16, 2021). "By The Numbers presented by KDOT: #PORvSKC – June 19, 2021". SportingKC.com. Sporting Kansas City . Retrieved December 5, 2021.
19. Murray, Caitlin (May 31, 2021). "Portland Timbers fall to Philadelphia Union after sloppy set pieces, but no new injuries before MLS break". The Oregonian. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
20. Tachman, Tyler (June 25, 2021). "Portland Timbers try to continue momentum against Minnesota". The Oregonian. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
21. "Portland Timbers, Thorns getting a sense of where they stand in MLS, NWSL: Soccer Weekend". The Oregonian. July 2, 2021. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
22. Murray, Caitlin (August 1, 2021). "Portland Timbers struggle on the road again, fall to LA Galaxy as woeful defending leads to 4-1 rout". The Oregonian. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
23. Danzer, Paul (October 15, 2021). "Timbers' Fochive feels at home". Portland Tribune . Retrieved December 7, 2021.
24. Farley, Richard (July 29, 2021). "Why It Matters – Santiago Moreno: a new type of attacker for the Portland Timbers' roster". Timbers.com. Portland Timbers . Retrieved December 7, 2021.
25. Danzer, Paul (August 17, 2021). "Timbers look to turn corner". Portland Tribune. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
26. Murray, Caitlin (August 13, 2021). "Portland Timbers mark MLS halfway point with win over Real Salt Lake, move into playoff position". The Oregonian. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
27. Murray, Caitilin (August 15, 2021). "Portland Timbers humiliated by Seattle Sounders in historic 6-2 loss despite Sebastian Blanco's return as starter". The Oregonian. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
28. Freeman, Joe (November 21, 2021). "Portland Timbers: After trying season of injuries and tense locker rooms, red-hot club is united heading into MLS playoffs". The Oregonian. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
29. Pinnell, Kyle (August 21, 2021). "Portland Timbers lose big in Austin again". The Oregonian. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
30. Murray, Caitlin (August 29, 2021). "Portland Timbers nab big away win against Seattle Sounders as worries linger over Eryk Williamson injury". The Oregonian. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
31. Sepich, Scott (October 16, 2021). "Portland Timbers sunk by stoppage time penalty kick in 2-1 loss to LA Galaxy". The Oregonian. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
32. Farley, Richard (October 27, 2021). "Timbers snap losing streak as year of Asprilla continues". Timbers.com. Portland Timbers . Retrieved December 7, 2021.
33. "Timbers eliminate Earthquakes from playoff race with 2-0 win". The Columbian. Associated Press. October 27, 2021. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
34. Alger, Tyson (November 7, 2021). "Portland Timbers roll to 3-0 win over Austin FC, set club record with 17 wins in regular-season finale". The Oregonian. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
35. Danzer, Paul (November 7, 2021). "Timbers top Austin FC to close regular season". Portland Tribune. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
36. Sepich, Scott (November 21, 2021). "Sebastian Blanco scores twice, Portland Timbers roar back for 3-1 win over Minnesota United in MLS Cup playoffs". The Oregonian. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
37. Sepich, Scott (November 25, 2021). "Larrys Mabiala's late goal lifts Portland Timbers past Colorado Rapids in MLS Cup playoffs". The Oregonian. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
38. "Just like 8 years ago, Portland Timbers host Real Salt Lake in Western Conference final: Soccer Weekend". The Oregonian. December 4, 2021. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
39. "Mora and Moreno lift Portland Timbers past Real Salt Lake into MLS Cup final". The Guardian . December 4, 2021. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
40. Sigal, Jonathan (December 4, 2021). "Maxi Moralez: NYCFC chasing "history" during Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved December 6, 2021.
41. "Sports Digest: New York City FC advances to face Revs in MLS playoffs". Portland Press Herald . Associated Press. November 21, 2021. Retrieved December 6, 2021.
42. Gerbosi, Ryan (November 18, 2020). "NYCFC hoping this is the year its playoff history changes for the better". Newsday . Retrieved December 8, 2021.
43. Gerbosi, Ryan (November 25, 2020). "NYCFC not yet where it wants it to be after early MLS Cup Playoffs exit". Newsday. Retrieved December 8, 2021.
44. Bogert, Tom (April 15, 2021). "Ronny Deila: NYCFC roster in a good place now, but will improve". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved December 8, 2021.
45. Peterson, Anne M. (April 13, 2021). "Defending champ Columbus, Philadelphia again tops in East". Associated Press. Retrieved December 8, 2021.
46. Mood, Abbie (October 13, 2020). "NYCFC's Maxi Moralez could return from MCL injury this weekend". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved December 8, 2021.
47. Ruthven, Graham (December 9, 2021). "The days of Lampard and Pirlo have gone for NYC FC. And the team is better than ever". The Guardian . Retrieved December 14, 2021.
48. Hajducky, Dan (December 9, 2021). "NYCFC borrow from Portland Timbers' playbook and meet MLS' model club in Cup final". ESPN. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
49. Lemieux, Jeff (June 18, 2021). "Preview: Revs return from break to begin busy summer with visit to New York City FC". RevolutionSoccer.com. New England Revolution. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
50. Gerbosi, Ryan (July 15, 2021). "NYCFC to begin busy stretch of schedule without designated player Talles Magno". Newsday. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
51. Petterson, Joel (December 10, 2021). "To Win M.L.S. Cup, New York City F.C. Played the Long Game". The New York Times . Retrieved December 14, 2021.
52. Roberson, Doug (November 21, 2021). "Atlanta United's season ends with dull playoff loss at NYCFC". Atlanta Journal-Constitution . Retrieved December 6, 2021.
53. Gerbosi, Ryan (December 1, 2021). "NYCFC tops Revolution in penalty kicks to reach club's first Eastern Conference final". Newsday. Retrieved December 6, 2021.
54. Tannenwald, Jonathan (December 4, 2021). "Eleven Union players are in MLS' health and safety protocols ahead of the Eastern Conference final". The Philadelphia Inquirer . Retrieved December 6, 2021.
55. Tannenwald, Jonathan (December 5, 2021). "Shorthanded Union's playoff fight ends in heartbreak with a 2-1 loss to New York City FC". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved December 6, 2021.
56. Basalyga, Stephanie (May 9, 2019). "Providence Park ready for prime time". Portland Tribune. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
57. Sigal, Jonathan (December 4, 2021). ""Dream come to reality": Portland Timbers celebrate hosting MLS Cup 2021 at Providence Park". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
58. Goldberg, Jamie (August 29, 2019). "Providence Park through the years: Historic stadium has served many purposes since 1926". The Oregonian. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
59. Goldberg, Jamie (May 5, 2018). "Providence Park to host 2018 NWSL Championship Game". The Oregonian. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
60. Costello, Brian (December 6, 2021). "This Week in PTFC – MLS Cup Week: Providence Park hosting fourth cup final of 2021". Timbers.com. Portland Timbers. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
61. Gallivan, Joseph (December 7, 2021). "Staggering: Portland Timbers MLS Cup final tickets sell fast". Portland Tribune. Retrieved December 8, 2021.
62. Clarke, Ryan (December 8, 2021). "Portland Timbers respond to fan confusion, frustration with MLS Cup ticketing process". The Oregonian. Retrieved December 8, 2021.
63. Carlisle, Jeff (December 10, 2021). "MLS Cup brings Portland's Providence Park party to life like never before". ESPN. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
64. Raineri, Joe; Ruiz, Celeste (December 6, 2021). "Portland Timbers vs. New York FC at Providence Park: How to get MLS Cup final tickets". KGW . Retrieved December 7, 2021.
65. Deutsch, Marilyn (December 7, 2021). "Timbers Army members line up early to secure spots for MLS Cup at Providence Park". Fox 12 Oregon . Retrieved December 8, 2021.
66. Butler, Dylan (December 11, 2021). "MLS Cup 2021 is most in-demand MLS event ever tracked by SeatGeek". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
67. Ibarra, Diego (December 9, 2021). "NYCFC ya prepara la Final de MLS desde Portland" [NYCFC already prepared for the MLS Cup final against Portland]. AS (in Spanish). Retrieved December 14, 2021.
68. "MLS Announces Match Schedule and Broadcast Details for the Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs". MLSsoccer.com. November 8, 2021. Retrieved December 4, 2021.
69. "ESPN Goes to Portland for 2021 MLS Cup Presented by Audi" (Press release). ESPN. December 9, 2021. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
70. Hernández, Kristian (December 10, 2021). "MLS Cup Final 2021: ESPN Covers Championship Match With Pico Pole Cam, Full Onsite Effort". Sports Video Group . Retrieved December 11, 2021.
71. "2021 Game Guide: MLS Cup 2021, Portland Timbers vs New York City FC". Major League Soccer. December 2021. p. 62. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
72. "MLS Cup 101: Everything you need to know and how to watch the 2021 final". MLSsoccer.com. December 8, 2021. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
73. "Portugal. The Man to perform the National Anthem at 2021 MLS Cup". MLSsoccer.com. December 10, 2021. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
74. Odom, Joel (December 15, 2021). "Timbers' MLS Cup match against NYCFC draws biggest audience for an ESPN/ABC broadcast of title game since 2009". The Oregonian. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
75. "2021 MLS Cup Scores ESPN Networks' Best Audience for Major League Soccer Championship Game since 2009" (Press release). ESPN. December 14, 2021. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
76. Karp, Austin (December 15, 2021). "Audience Analysis: Lack of drama hurts Heisman; MLS, Liga MX finals up". Sports Business Journal . Retrieved December 18, 2021.
77. Liljenwall, Ari (December 11, 2021). "New York City FC win MLS Cup 2021". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
78. "Celebrating Unity, Official Match Ball by adidas for 2022 Season to Debut at 2021 MLS Cup in Portland" (Press release). Major League Soccer. December 6, 2021. Retrieved December 8, 2021.
79. Odom, Joel (December 11, 2021). "NYCFC's Jesus Medina hit in face by object thrown by fan during MLS Cup final against Portland Timbers". The Oregonian. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
80. Gerbosi, Ryan (December 11, 2021). "NYCFC captures its first MLS Cup with dramatic penalty-kick win over Portland Timbers". Newsday. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
81. "PRO announce crew for 2021 MLS Cup". Professional Referee Organization. December 10, 2021. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
82. "2021 MLS Competition Guidelines". Major League Soccer. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
83. Edwards, John (December 11, 2021). "New York City FC crowned MLS champions". ManCity.com. Manchester City F.C. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
84. Wright, Chris (December 12, 2021). "Manchester City owners City Football Group now have reigning champions in four different countries". ESPN. Retrieved October 10, 2022.
85. "Concacaf Champions League 2022: NYCFC clinch final spot after MLS Cup win". MLSsoccer.com. December 11, 2021. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
86. Evans, Jayda (April 13, 2022). "Sounders advance to their first CCL final — and a draw was enough". The Seattle Times. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
87. Gerbosi, Ryan (December 14, 2021). "NYCFC celebrates its MLS title with mayor, fans at City Hall". Newsday. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
88. Gerbosi, Ryan (December 13, 2021). "New York set to celebrate NYCFC's MLS Cup title on Tuesday at City Hall". Newsday. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
89. Moore, David (March 12, 2022). "NYCFC Firmly Cements Itself As Walking Joke With Worst Championship Banner Reveal Ever". The18.com. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
90. Odom, Joel (December 12, 2021). "2 arrested after NYCFC's Jesus Medina hit by object thrown during MLS Cup final against Portland Timbers". The Oregonian. Retrieved March 26, 2023.