NYCFC's Sean Johnson hoping for a repeat of the 2021 MLS Cup

New York City FC goalkeeper Sean Johnson is looking to achieve back-to-back MLS Cup titles, and form part of the first team to accomplish the feat since LA Galaxy lifted the trophy in 2011 and 2012. 

NYCFC won their first league title last season, coming in as underdogs before stunning the Portland Timbers in the final at Providence Park. Now, the team must defeat the Philadelphia Union on Sunday in the Eastern Conference final stay on track. 

It won't be easy. This year, the team lost their head coach Ronny Deila to Standard Liege in Belgium and star figure Taty Castellanos joined Girona in Spain, forcing players to adapt. But NYCFC remained afloat, to conclude the 2022 campaign in third place on the table. 

The team then defeated Inter Miami and the New York Red Bulls to reach this stage in the playoffs, convincing Johnson that NYCFC can do it again. 

“Being back in the Conference Final is a testament to the mentality of this group,” Johnson told MLSsoccer.com. 

“It’s an extremely long season, different competitions and different things that happen over the course of the year. All things considered, everybody maintained a certain level of focus and has been locked in on our goal of being back where we were at the end of last year.”

But the Union is about to be their biggest test yet. 

 “Philly is an incredible atmosphere,” Johnson said. “It’s a great crowd. You want to play in a great atmosphere in a sold-out arena. We’re excited about the challenge ahead.”

The team will travel to Subaru Park on Sunday for the game, and should they win, they would face the winner of the Austin FC vs. LAFC match.