The manager of New York City shirtless and pantsless! MLS final also offered a reflection of the past for Czech memorabilia

New York City and the Portland Timbers faced each other in the US MLS final. The final was hosted at Providence Park, Portland’s home stadium. However, the Timbers were unable to capitalise on the home atmosphere to win America’s most valuable trophy. They took the match to a penalty shootout, but lost.

The club, part of the soccer giant City Football Group, was able to celebrate. And the celebrations were pretty wild in the stadium itself. Manager Ronny Deila had a bet with his charges, and it was probably clear.

For winning the title, he promised his players that he would strip down to his shorts and do 10 push-ups. And what didn’t happen? His men drew 1-1 with Portland in regulation time and won in a penalty shootout.

The Norwegian coach made good on his promise and put on quite a show.

Looking back at the game itself, it offered one interesting moment for a Czech fan or a veteran. And also one incredible moment from a football point of view.

Two key moments of the MLS final

The opening goal was scored in the 41st minute by New York City and the scorer was Castellanos. The goal was assisted by Maximiliano Moralez. Who is this? The now 34-year-old Argentine started in the 2007 U20 World Cup final against the youngsters from the Czech Republic.

The whole situation was noticed by a Slavia fan, who immediately became aware of it and included the Czech team’s final line-up in his club’s historical milestones. The successful era with Marek Suchy, the subsequent downfall with Tomas Michola and Martin Fenin and the subsequent golden era with Ondrej Kudela, who also played the final against Argentina.

Now back to the USA. Portland managed to tie the game in literally five minutes twelve and the sold-out Providence Park exploded with joy. Felipe Mora gave him a reason to in the 94th minute.

The home side sent a centre into the City penalty area, the ball bounced up to the Chilean striker and he made no mistake from a good shooting position. In the goal celebrations, it looked like he couldn’t even contain his emotions, only he didn’t know at that moment that he would experience the complete opposite feelings in a few dozen minutes.

Extra time didn’t decide the MLS winner, so it was on to the penalty shootout. Felipe Mora was the Timbers’ initial penalty kick taker, but he missed his penalty. The final hero was now the underdog.

The New Yorkers converted four of their five attempts. After Mora, Diego Valeri also failed in the second shootout, then two Portland shooters converted their penalties, but it was not enough to triumph. The new champion of the American MLS is New York City with a mark for Czech football memorabilia.

Sources: Livesport, Bielsista, Ondřej Kreml, Portland Timbers. New York City FC