Maxi Moralezs lone goal enough to put NYCFC in East final with upset of Union

Maxi Moralez might as well just change his name to Union-buster.The 38-year-old New York City FC midfielder scored his sixth career goal against the Union on Sunday night.It proved to be the lone tally as NYCFC advanced to the Eastern Conference final with an upset 1-0 win over the Union.

The victory came amid a slew of key injuries for NYCFC, which included leading scorer Alonso Martínez.“Maxi, he’s been a big player for this team for so long,” Justin Haak said.“You feel like always in these moments, he finds a way to step up and to do it again and to do it again missing out main goal scorer, Alonso, for Maxi to step in to score was what got us the win.

He’s been in these moments so many times already.He knows what it takes and he’s a leader that we all follow.”NYCFC looked no worse for wear — missing not only Martínez, but also Andrés Perea and Aiden O’Neill — finishing the game with four shots on target and controlled possession 51-49 through 90 minutes in hostile territory.

Moralez’s goal was his team-leading sixth career tally of the postseason.“Massive goal today, but it’s not only about today.His leadership was there from Day 1,” NYCFC coach Pascal Jansen said of Moralez.

“If you see how much commitment he’s shown throughout the season to be available and bring the level to the game that he’s done, this doesn’t surprise me.I’m very happy for him and for the team with a fantastic goal.”Keeper Matt Freese stopped all five shots he faced for NYCFC.The win sets the stage for NYCFC to face Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami — 4-0 winners Sunday at FC Cincinnati — for a chance to play for their second MLS Cup.

And the club has reached the Eastern Conference final in three of the past five seasons.Moralez’s goal came in the 27th minute of the match after NYCFC had come flying out of the gate.After moving the ball back into the attacking zone, Agustín Ojeda cut across the field and moved the ball over to Nicolás Fern...