2021 MLS CUP: PORTLAND VS NEW YORK CITY

December 11, 2021

Valentín Castellanos

New York City FC

Postgame Press Conference

New York City 1, Portland 1

4-2 Penalties

VALENTIN CASTELLANOS: I was very happy to be back with this team. I missed out on the previous game but this is a team effort. It's not just me. It's 70 people, not just me, and the people on the field. It's the staff members and everyone and all of our supporters and we are really happy to be here in this position.

On Portland's scoring at the 98th minute, it was tough for the team. We were playing really well but obviously we respect Portland and they are a very tough rival, and we were playing at their home. We had a couple of chances ourselves and then PK is just all luck, so happy it went our way and we were able to take advantage of the situation and now we're here.

Q. Was there pressure felt during the PK shootout?

VALENTIN CASTELLANOS: I don't think the pressure was really there. Obviously we both played a really good game. It turned out that we were going to shoot the PKs and whatever happened, happened. I think they were under a little bit more pressure being they were at home playing in front of their fans. And obviously we have Sean. He's a great keeper and he made two great saves. He's probably been the best keeper all season. That's why we're here now, and we'll take this victory and we'll celebrate and then we'll cool off a little bit and see what the future brings.

Q. On the moment shared between you and Maxi, can you talk about that.

VALENTIN CASTELLANOS: It was just pure emotion. He's a very important player for the club on and off the field. He's been here for a number of years. We have a good relationship and we share a lot of moments. We love soccer the same way, when we win, when we lose. And we just told each other that we are both MVPs to this team. We came here to make history and give the club its first star, and we were able to do that, and it's a beautiful moment that we were together and hopefully there's many more to come.