New York City FC triumphs 2-2 (5-3) over MLS Cup favorites New England Revolution in an absolutely crazy match, qualifying for the Eastern Conference final as goalkeeper Sean Johnson becomes an instant hero. 

After 120+ minutes of play and two dramatic extra time goals, Johnson stepped up to save Adam Buksa’s penalty kick and eliminate the Supporters Shield winners. NYCFC will now face the Philadelphia Union.

New York City kicked off the Eastern Conference semifinal with an unmatched intensity, pushing numbers forward to dominate on the attack.

Just three minutes in, Tayvon Gray found Santiago Rodriguez inside the box, timing the cross perfectly for the left wing to direct the ball into the upper left corner and earn the 1-0 lead. 

The goal appeared to have woken up the New England Revolution. 

The home side shutdown NYCFC’s celebrations shortly after as Alex Buska headed home a free kick by Carles Gil for the equalizer. 

Frustrations increased on both sides as the game progressed, leading to unnecessary fouls and yellow cards. By the 60th minute, 23 overall fouls had been committed. 

The pace heightened in the second half as NYCFC continuously pounced on the attack to overload the Revolution’s defense. 2021 MLS Golden Boot winner Valentin Castellanos led the offense, forcing Matt Turner into completing two game-changing saves. 

The home side attempted to retaliate on a couple of occasions but couldn’t match their opponent’s tempo. 

Castellanos missed a clear opportunity for New York in the 89 minute but made up for it in overtime. His moment culminated in the 109 minute after Gudmundur Thórarinsson provided the perfect assist for him to head the ball past Matt Turner. 

Seconds after scoring, Castellanos received a second yellow and was consequently sent off the pitch. He is suspended for the match and will not feature. 

The Revolution had the last laugh, retaliating with a stunning play led by Tajon Buchanon. Emmanuel Boateng crossed the ball to the Canadian, who managed a first time finish right into the lower left corner. 

And with that: penalties. 

Both sides were leveled until NYCFC goalkeeper Sean Johnson made the unexpected save against Adam Buksa to send his side into a frenzy. Following his miss, Thiago Andrade and Alfredo Morales both scored over Matt Turner to secure the win.

Matt Turner (GK) – 6/10 – He really should have done more as MLS Goalkeeper of the Year

DeJuan Jones (RB) – 5/10- Fine game, but scored his penalty kick

Henry Kessler (CB) – 4/10- Really should have been more involved for a player of his caliber

Andrew Farrell (CB) – 2/10 – he played?

Brandon Bye (LB) – 4/10- moments where he was really involved, but couldn’t make the necessary impact

Tommy McNamara (CM) – 5/10 – very sloppy on the ball

Matt Polster (CM) – 4/10- Fine, nothing special

Tajon Buchanan (CM) – 6/10 – Tried to get into the action but instead committed several unnecessary fouls out of frustration

Carles Gil (CAM) – 5/10 – Could have been drastically better in finding a way to impact the game

Adam Buksa (F) – 8/10 – scored the equalizer for the Revolution before missing his penalty kick to hand NYCFC the win

Gustavo Bou (F) – 5/10 – barely made an appearance inside NYCFC’s half

Teal Bunbury – 6/10 – scored his penalty kick

Emmanuel Boateng – 6/10- Came on, provided an assist and did his job

Maciel – 3/10- did his job as a substitute

Sean Johnson (GK) – 7/10 – Fine game, but really came through during the penalty kicks

Tayvon Gray (RB) – 5/10 – Made the first assist to give NYCFC the lead

Maxime Chanot (CB) – 3/10- The team qualified to the conference final but not with his help

Alexander Callens (CB) – 6/10 – Good throughout the game and made his penalty kick

Malte Amundsen (LB) – 4/10 – Mediocre, but did what was needed

Jesús Medina (RW) – 6/10 – very messy on the ball, could have managed a goal or assist with more precision

Alfredo Morales (CM) – 4/10 – Didn’t realize he was on the pitch during the important moments

Maximiliano Moralez (CAM) – 5/10 – expected so much more from an attacking midfielder but scored his penalty kick

James Sands (CM) – 6/10- Could’ve done more as one of the brightest young talents of the league

Santiago Rodríguez (LW) – 8/10- Scored the game’s first goal before disappearing

Valentín Castellanos (F) – 7/10 – Great goal in extra time, but ended the night with a red card and suspension

Ismael Tajouri- 5/10- Made his penalty and didn’t negatively impact the match

Tony Rocha- 3/10- Went completely undetected

Gudmundur Thórarinsson – 7/10- Came off the bench with a great energy and provided the necessary assist

Thiago Andrade – 6/10- Didnt do much during extra time but scored his penalty kick