John Riordan: Blue sky thinking earns New York City coveted MLS title opportunity

City Football Group’s US experiment hasn’t been smooth but finally a first piece of silverware has validated ambition

New York City FC celebrate after defeating Philadelphia Union during the MLS Eastern Conference Final at Subaru Park on December 5. After a comeback win, they will now face Portland Timbers in the US national final.

IT was never supposed to be easy launching a new Major League Soccer club in New York City but in many ways, it should never have been so complicated.

And yet, after a half dozen seasons of near and not-so-near misses, New York City FC’s 2021 MLS campaign has been pulled out of the fire. Tomorrow in Portland, Oregon, the club more commonly known as NYCFC will compete for their first ever MLS Cup, the top prize in the league populated by clubs from across North America.