BRONX, NYC (SMI-SPORTS, 11.21.21)-The 2021 MLS Golden Boot winner Valentine Castellanos and defender Alexander Callens scored a goal apiece in the second half, as NYC FC defeated Atlanta United 2-0, on a Sunday afternoon game in the first round of the MLS Eastern conference play-offs at the iconic Yankees Stadium in the Bronx, NYC.

With the victory today, the Boys in Blue advances to the 2021 MLS Eastern semifinals  to face top-seed, New England Revolution on Tuesday, November 30th, 2021 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Both teams played very aggressive from the start, but the visitors controlled the ball more often with numerous counter-attacks by reaching NYC FC's goal defended by Sean Johnson with no major danger that resulted with the half ending scoreless.

With the season on the line, NYC FC began the second half all fired-up, opening the score at the 48' minute through the 2021 MLS Golden Boot winner " Taty Castellano" , who scored his 20th goal of the season with a looping high bounce into back of the net after receiving a center pass by Maxi Moralez to put New York in front 1-0, over Atlanta.

The Crowd went wild after the goal and four minutes later during a  short corner serve, Maxi Moralez inside the box shot a left-footed to the goal that was deflected by Atlanta's goalkeeper Bradley Guzan, hitting the crossbar back into play with defender Alexander Callens heading the ball into an open net for the 2-0, and sealing the victory for New York. 

NYC FC looked solid on the defensive line and well synchronized on the offensive line that resulted in two goals and a big win for the franchise.

Article Written & Photo By Marcello Cutti Jr.