📝 NYCFC 3-1 Philadelphia Union: Moralez puts NYCFC into the semis | OneFootball

NYCFC came out of the gate and dominated Philadelphia Union in a 3-1 victory in the Eastern Conference knockout round.

Goals from Ismael Tajouri-Shradi, David Villa, and Maxi Moralez secured a comprehensive victory at Yankee Stadium to advance to the semi-finals, where they’ll face second-seeded Atlanta United.

The Union were hardly a threat to the hosts, as they failed to record a shot on goal until they pulled a goal back with the match far out of reach.

Moralez was the catalyst Wednesday night, as he put in a man-of-the-match performance with a goal and a pair of assists.

Just 10 minutes in, Ismael Tajouri-Shradi justified his inclusion in the XI. Maxi Moralez’s ball was played into the Libyan, who struck a sweet first-time half-volley into the back of the net.

Playing on the front foot, NYCFC doubled their lead in the 26th minute courtesy of a wonderful finish by David Villa.

Moralez found Villa at the top of the box, and the Spanish legend scuffed his shot into the bottom corner for his fourth goal in four games.

Eight minutes later, Philadelphia were denied a clear penalty when Ben Sweat took the legs out from under Alejandro Bedoya as the USMNT midfielder played the ball inside to a team-mate… despite VAR being available.

After the half-time break, it was more of the same as NYCFC continued to possess the ball in Philadelphia’s half of the field.

NYCFC finished off the match in the 78th minute, as Moralez scored a goal he surely deserved.

After a nice ball over the top from Anders Tinnerholm, Union goalkeeper Andre Blake hesitated to come off his line and Moralez finished fantastically with a beautiful chip to seal NYCFC’s progress to the next round.

Five minutes later, the Union pulled one back as Corey Burke tapped in a goal from six yards after a nice move from Ilsinho.

NYCFC will face Atlanta United in the first leg of the Eastern Conference semi-finals this weekend. The two clubs faced off on two occasions during the regular season, with both meetings ending in draws.