'WE DID IT"
NYCFC celebrate 1st title at City Hall
It was a festive occasion Tuedsay as New York City FC celebrated its first MLS championship.
Ian Joy, soccer analyst for the YES Network, served as master of ceremonies at the City Hall celebration.
MVP Sean Johnson — the goalie who gave up just four goals in four playoff games and lifted his team to victory with massive shootout saves in Saturday’s MLS Cup win over the Portland Timbers — hoisted the MLS Cup trophy in front of fans while exiting City Hall with outgoing mayor Bill de Blasio and his son Dante.
“That’s our Johnson,” cheers erupted from the crowd and the netminder returned the favor with a speech.
“We did it, y’all,” Johnson told fans. “It’s been an unbelievable year, we’ve been through ups, downs. This is an honor to captain this team. I’ve been here for five years. I made a commitment when I got here to bring a trophy to the club. It’s the first time in 10 years a sports team has brought a championship to the city and it means the world to us.
“I think we can finally put to rest the debate of what color this city is. New York is blue baby!”
NYCFC president and CEO Brad Sims also gave a speech, though it was drowned out by “We want a stadium!” chants from the crowd. The requests for a new stadium also hit the Mayor, who was serenaded with boos.
De Blasio praised the team, the area’s first to win an MLS title.
“New York City loves this team,” he said. “You guys have made us proud. New York City is blue.”
Tayvon Gray, a 19-year-old defender who was born in The Bronx, was given a key to the city.
At the end of the ceremony, “Blitzkrieg Bop” by The Ramones blared to the crowd.