When Andrew “Barney” Barnard, a New York City FC supporter since 2015, watched his team’s gritty last-minute win over the Philadelphia Union in the Eastern Conference Final, he knew he needed to be in the stands when City face the Portland Timbers in the 2021 MLS Cup Final.
The problem? Barney lives in Portsmouth, England, and the MLS Cup Final is being held in Portland, Oregon. He estimated the trip would cost around $1300 (£1000): About $800 plus 50,000 air miles for the flight, $250 for COVID testing, and $250 for the hotel.