NYCFC defeat Inter Miami 3-0 to reach conference semifinals

New York City FC are through to the conference semifinals.

The reigning MLS Cup champions defeated Inter Miami 3-0 on Monday at Citi Field, as goals from Heber, Maxi Moralez and Gabriel Pereira propelled the team one step closer to the trophy. 

Inter Miami held on for the first half, before NYCFC returned to the pitch with vengeance for the second 45. They turned the scoreless draw into a 2-0 lead in six minutes, as Gabriel Pereira’s strike kicked off NYCFC’s offensive dominance. Herber then sealed the deal with a 92 minute goal to finish the game at 3-0.

"I think that's a real testament to the professionalism and the collective thinking that we have in the group, that we continue to do the same things, switch the play, run the spaces in behind, and continue to create chances," NYC interim head coach Nick Cushing said.

After Pereira’s goal, Maxi Moralez followed up with one of his own after connecting with Santiago Rodríguez. The efforts earned Moralez high praise from Crushing, who labeled the Argentinian midfielder a 'special guy'.

"To me it was a master class. I can't say enough about him," Cushing said. "His professionalism, his leadership, his talent, his affect he has on the team... he is a real special guy, and when we play games like we did tonight, and performances like we did tonight, he is always a huge part of that."

NYCFC will now visit CF Montreal for the Conference semifinals at Stade Saputo on Sunday. Though the team heads to Canada with a four-match winning streak, Crushing insists the clash cannot be taken lightly. 

"Montreal are a top, top team. Their coach [Wilfried Nancy] has done an incredible job with them this year," Cushing said.

"We have to just prepare for a really difficult game, and if we can repeat what we've done on the road this year, and what we did in the playoffs last year, it gives us the best chance of winning the game."

Should NYCFC defeat Montreal, they would face either FC Cincinnati or the Philadelphia Union in the Eastern Conference final.