Miami thrashes NYCFC to clinch MLS Cup Final berth

Another four-goal blowout

Miami scores goals. That's just what it does. It managed 98 goals this season, more than any other team in MLS history, and it saved a whopping 17 of them for the playoffs. 

This game was the team's third straight four-goal blowout after crushing Nashville and Cincinnati 4-0 in quick succession. NYCFC did a bit better than those teams, snatching a consolation goal in the first half thanks to a fine header from homegrown player Justin Haak, but in the end, it wasn't enough. Miami shrugged its shoulders, made a few substitutions and snatched a fifth to keep its four-goal lead intact.

More than just Lionel Messi

When asked about facing Miami in the playoffs, NYCFC coach Pascal Jansen was quick to point out that focusing on Lionel Messi was a dangerous distraction.

“A lot of people can assume it’s Messi against all these other teams, but that’s not the case," Jansen said. "They have great players, whoever they want to play in the starting 11, and Messi is a league of his own. That’s clear. We just address it like it is.”

This Eastern Conference final proved Jansen right. Messi wasn't at his best, but his quiet night allowed his underrated attacking teammates to shine. Forward Tadeo Allende scored a gorgeous hat trick; Segovia and Silvetti added killer shots of their own. The trio made NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese—a legitimate candidate for MLS Goalkeeper of the Year just a few weeks ago—look utterly out of his depth. You really have to hand it to them.

Jordi Alba is on fire

Jordi Alba entered this match with 50 appearances, eight goals and 14 assists to his name in all competitions in 2025. Those are wild numbers for any left back, but they're especially wild for a 36-year-old one who is set to retire at the end of this season. Make no mistake: he's leaving this sport on an unbelievable high.

Alba's stellar 2025 has largely gone under the radar, dwarfed as it was by Messi's MVP-caliber season. But it was Alba, not Messi, who swung this Eastern Conference final in Miami's favor...and what a swing it was. 

When NYCFC blocked Messi in the center of the park and funneled Miami's play out to the flanks, Alba rose to the occasion, wreaking havoc from the left-hand side and creating play after play for the Herons. He had more touches than any other Miami player, and he did plenty with them. He set up the team's first goal, directly assisted its second and remained a thorn in NYCFC's left side all match.

The MLS Cup Final will be Alba's final game as a professional. It's a shame to see him leave, but it's been quite the privilege to watch him stick around.

Miami will host the Western Conference winner—either San Diego or Vancouver—in the MLS Cup Final on Saturday, Dec. 6.