Squeezed between the economic crisis, pandemic and crime, New York is preparing to experience a somewhat tarnished Christmas of magic. Under the tree, however, he finds as a consolation the first victory of his team in a great professional championship after many years. However, it is not the beloved baseball that gives back the smile to the fans of the Big Apple, nor the football or the derelict basketball, but the football, with the triumph of
New York City
in the Major soccer league (MLS), taking the ideal baton from the legendary Cosmos of Pele, Chinaglia and Bekenbauer, who in the 70s dominated the then nascent US professional football.
The New York team, just seven years after its debut, won the final in Portland (Oregon) by beating the home team, the Timbers, 4-2 after penalties. However, the celebrations are not limited to the US metropolis, but also extend to the United Arab Emirates, as the club belongs to the City Football Group, together with nine other clubs from around the world and whose spearhead is Manchester City. Leading the team - which since its debut in MLS in 2015, has boasted important names, including Patrick Vieira - is a semi-unknown Norwegian, Ronny Deila, remembered in Europe for two victories in the Scottish championship with Celtic, when however the absence of the Rangers made it all very obvious.
A particular character, who did not hesitate to undress on the pitch remaining in his underwear to respect what he had promised in case of victory. "It was a crazy game", he commented, and he can be agreed with since nothing was missing, even a bad episode that clashes with the proverbial sportsmanship of the US public. At the opening goal of the game, scored by Castellanos of New York City, the Paraguayan Jesus Medina who was celebrating with his teammates was hit in the head by a can thrown from the stands. The player was able to resume the match, while the violent fan was immediately identified and arrested, also earning a lifetime ban from the Timbers stadium.
They drew almost at the last second with Mora, suspected of being offside, leading the match to extra time and finally to penalties, where the protagonist was the City goalkeeper, Sean Johnson, who saved two.
The City, which play at Yankee Stadium, home to the legendary baseball team, have hit a goal that their big rivals, the New York Red Bulls, who have been chasing them since 1996, have so far missed. in the first round of the playoffs.
(HANDLE).