There was nothing ghoulish about New York City FC on Halloween night.
After months of nightmare performances, NYCFC won its first-ever elimination-style game in MLS Cup playoffs, dominating the Philadelphia Union, 3-1, on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium.
Head coach Domenec Torrent, who had been criticized for his constant lineup tinkering, made only one change from Sunday’s warmup against the Union, slotting in Ismael Tajouri-Shradi over designated player Jesus Medina. That move, along with help from David Villa and Maxi Moralez, allowed NYCFC advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals for a third straight season.
NYCFC will face Atlanta United in a two-game series, starting with the first leg Sunday at Yankee Stadium.