MLS is Back Tournament: New York City reach quarters, Melia produces penalty heroics
Sacha Pisani
July 27, 2020 05:31 MYT
July 27, 2020 05:31 MYT
New York City booked their spot in the MLS is Back Tournament quarter-finals after upstaging Toronto, while Sporting Kansas City prevailed in a penalty shoot-out thanks to goalkeeper Tim Melia.
Jesus Medina, Valentin Castellanos and Maxi Moralez were on target for New York City, who defeated Toronto 3-1 in Orlando, Florida on Sunday.
Medina gave NYC, led by former Celtic boss Ronny Deila, the perfect start after just five minutes at Walt Disney Resort – firing a shot through the hands of Toronto goalkeeper Quentin Westberg.
New York City doubled their lead 10 minutes into the second half when Castellanos ran onto Moralez's no-look pass and beat Westberg with a powerful effort.
A thing of beauty @Gary__11 @Heber__Araujo @mmoralezoficial #NYCFC pic.twitter.com/0ZcbV26gRP — New York City FC (@NYCFC) July 27, 2020
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Moralez made it 3-0 with nine minutes remaining before Patrick Mullins pulled a goal back six minutes later after combining with Jozy Altidore.
Awaiting NYC in the quarter-finals are either Portland Timbers or FC Cincinnati.
Melia, meanwhile, produced some penalty heroics to lead Sporting KC past Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in a shoot-out.
10 - No goalkeeper has saved more penalties (excluding shootouts) in @MLS since the start of the 2015 season than @TimMelia28. Stopper.#MLSisBack — OptaJack (@OptaJack) July 27, 2020
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After a goalless 90 minutes, Melia saved two spot-kicks as Gianluca Busio stepped up to convert the winning penalty.
No goalkeeper has saved more penalties – excluding shoot-outs – in MLS since the start of the 2015 season than Melia.
WINNER-WINNER! Take a bow, young man. Big moment for @gbusio13! #SKCvVAN pic.twitter.com/QV1e0YfabD — Sporting KC (@SportingKC) July 27, 2020
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Sporting KC will face Philadelphia Union for a spot in the semi-finals.