Of course, it was Golden Boot winner, Valentin Castellanos that put NYCFC in the driver’s seat on Sunday afternoon in the first round of the Major League Soccer playoffs. The match up between the four and five seeds provided a good deal of fun, a little bit of controversy, and gave NYCFC some post season success, finally.
The dismal way NYCFC went out last year in the first round, losing in a penalty kick shootout to Orlando, weighed on the mind of every fan as they entered Yankee Stadium on Sunday. The team’s record in the playoffs often included moments of self-destruction and Atlanta was unbeaten in their last six games coming into the match up.
None of that mattered though. After a hard fought first half that saw both teams struggle to create chances, NYCFC came out of the locker room with guns blazing and took control of the game prompting broadcaster, Taylor Twellman, to comment, ” If you did not know better you would think Atlanta was down to ten men in the second half.”
It was Castellanos who pounced first sending a bouncing shot over the head of a hapless Brad Guzan in the 49th minute to put NYCFC in charge for good. Alex Callens would add to the tally just four minutes later and put NYCFC firmly in control of the game.
Atlanta seemed unable to break up the high press and deal with NYCFC’s smothering midfield defense. Alfredo Morales and James Sands blocked every lane and took the ball away from Atlanta at every turn. Josef Martinez barely touched the ball for Atlanta and had only two shots in the entire game.
Ronny Deila was please after the game: “I think we’ve been really good defensively throughout the entire season. It’s our attacking play, especially away, that we need to improve. Everybody knows what they need to do. I have a great staff around me that prepares me and everybody for what Atlanta is capable of bringing. The boys executed the match plan perfectly. This is how we get performances like this.”
Nov 21, 2021; Bronx, NY, USA; New York City FC midfielder Valentin Castellanos (11) plays the ball against Atlanta United midfielder Ezequiel Barco (8) during the second half in a round one MLS Playoff game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
He went on to praise his whole team effort and especially his star striker. “He’s flying and he’s done that for almost the entire season now. He is dangerous inside the box and has confidence. We have a team that plays up in good situations. I always say that nobody shines alone and when the team is good everybody shines. That is what the team is doing right now. Look at the performance of Sean (Johnson) today, two or three important saves, Tayvon coming in at 19-years-old and playing like he’s 10 years older than he is. Players like Alfredo (Morales) and James (Sands) in the center of the pitch having a really good game. This is all because they do their tasks, do their jobs, and support one another. We play as a team. Of course, Taty (Castellanos) has special qualities and gets himself into situations that allow him to do big things”
The team will have to rely on each other again when they travel to New England and face the best team in MLS this season on the road. In three games against The Revolution this season both sides have scored exactly fives goals a piece and although NYCFC have only won one of the three games they have all been tough contests. For now, though, it is a chance for fans to rejoice and shake the playoff monkey of their backs.
New York City FC
Atlanta United
