It was a hot day in the Bronx on Saturday when Inter Miami CF came to play New York City Football Club and there was not a dry eye in the house as the Pigeons said goodbye to their star striker, Valentin “Taty” Castellanos, sending him off with a win if not another goal.
Things had changed greatly since Castellanos was thrust into the starting role in September of 2020 when the starting striker at that time, Heber, went down with an ACL tear in his knee. Castellanos’s work ethic was applauded and loved by coaches and fans alike and he blossomed under then coach Ronny Deila. The Young Argentine made the most of his opportunity going on to win the Golden Boot in MLS in 2021 and leading all scorers this year again to this point. So yesterday, It only seemed fitting for Heber to assume the mantel again when he came on for Castellanos the 61st minute. The wheel had come full circle.
Castellanos leaves the club having scored 53 goals in all competitions and almost had another yesterday except for a questionable offsides call by the linesman. He was active throughout the game, however, hooking up with Maxi Moralez to putt NYCFC in the drivers seat in minute 12 when Moralez broke free in the box, received a neat assist from Castellanos and slotted the ball through the keeper’s legs for the opening goal. Moralez, turned immediately to Castellanos, pointed at him and thanked him for the assist but also for the years spent at the club. The chemistry between the two Argentines, one in the waning days of their career and one on the rise, has always been palpable on and off the pitch.
Jul 23, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York City FC midfielder Maximiliano Moralez (10) celebrates with midfielder Valentin Castellanos (11) and teammates after scoring a goal against Inter Miami CF during the first half at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Nick Cushing was glowing after the game about his time spent with Castellanos. “I think his legacy is, of course, goals, I think he is the best goal scorer in the MLS. I think he has proven that, last year with the Golden Boot and this year by pushing top goal scorer charts again. I think his passion and his drive and his hunger to work for the team, his hunger and desire to be in the box and to be a killer in the box is there. I think people fall in love with him because he plays with his heart and his passion and he plays for New York. I think people will always remember that whether he is here or in another part of the world, he is Taty Catellanos and he is New York.”
Miami looked threatening at times and played some good football, but Sean Johnson made some stellar saves to keep the clean sheet on the day. It was Heber who would put NYCFC in the drivers seat later in the game, linking up on a nice cross from Malte Amundsen for his sixth goal of the season, and showing he is more than capable to be the starting striker again. Currently, the Brazilian is averaging over one goal in ever 90 minutes of play across all his minutes played this season. Not too shabby for the new number nine.
Nick Cushing had this to say about replacing Castellanos. “I think you can see in our squad that we have quality. We had two moments where Taty (Castellanos) been suspended and one where he carried an injury. We put Heber in and he scored two against Cincinnati, he scored in Dallas, he’s gone on today and scored again. You know, Héber is a ruthless number nine and one that has shown, since his knee injury, how hard he’s worked and how clinical he is in the box. I also think Talles [Magno] would like a go out there. You could put Talles as a nine, I think he’s a good player. Recruitment is an ongoing thing for us. We’re looking all over the team, all over the world, consistently and continually, to make sure that if we do bring a player in, it’s to strengthen our team.”
As Heber celebrated, he made the sign with his hands that Castellanos had become known for. Each hand coming together to for a box around the eyes. He made the move looking directly in the way of the bench at Castellanos as a tribute and Castellanos in turn celebrated the goal from the bench with tears and a smile. 
Jul 23, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York City FC forward Heber (9) celebrates his goal against Inter Miami CF with teammates during the second half at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 23, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York City FC forward Heber (9) hugs midfielder Valentin Castellanos (11) after defeating Inter Miami CF at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
For Castellanos, he is off to Girona in the Spanish top flight to test his skill and hopefully earn a spot on the Argentine national team for the World Cup. Sean Johnson had this to say after the match about their star forward’s departure:
“I think he has meant so much to the Club. Over the years, not just with the golden boot, but everything he’s given, his energy every single game and training session. He has given the team life, and his performances have spoken for themselves. He is a quality player. I am sure he is going to crush it wherever he is next, so I think it is important for us to take some time to recognize all the things he has done for the Club. He will always be a part of the family here, and I am happy for him. He is always in shape while he is here, so we wish him all the best.”
For NYCFC, the game puts them back on a winning streak with interim coach Nick Cushing winning for games in a row after a shaky start as the new gaffer. Cushing will have his hands full replacing the club’s second leading goal scorer (only David Villa has more), but as they look toward Montreal next week, they can smile knowing they sent him off in style at home.
