Peruvian defender Alexander Callens plays full 90 minutes in New York City FC's victory in the MLS playoffs
The current MLS champion, New York City FC, advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals by defeating Inter Miami 3-0 on Monday at Citi Field in Queens. Peruvian defender Alexander Callens started the match and played the full 90 minutes.
Miami's defeat means the farewell of Argentine forward Gonzalo Higuain, former Real Madrid and Juventus player, among others, who had announced his retirement at the end of this season.
New York City FC, owned by Manchester City's City Football Group, will now face Montreal in the conference semifinals on Sunday after Montreal eliminated Orlando City on Sunday.
Higuain, who finished the regular season in good form, was inevitably dangerous for Miami under Phil Neville and had a goal disallowed in the 23rd minute for being offside after receiving a good pass from Christopher McVey.
Brazilian player Gabriel Pereira opened the scoring in the 63rd minute with a great shot assisted by Uruguayan Santiago Rodriguez, who kept two Inter defenders at bay.
Argentine player Maximiliano Moralez increased the lead, scoring after a heel pass from Anton Timmerholm in the 69th minute.
Brazilian player Heber added the third goal for New York in stoppage time (90+2). AFP