New York City FC were crowned MLS Cup champions on Saturday for the first time in franchise history as they defeated the Portland Timbers 4-2 in penalty kicks following a 1-1 draw after extra time. The match produced a scary scene late in the first half as a NYCFC player was struck by a beer can thrown by a Portland Timbers supporter. After Maxi Moralez set up Valentin Castellanos for the opening goal late in the first half, the team went to the corner to celebrate with the Argentine duo as they took the lead on the road. That's when a Timbers fan launched a beer can that struck Medina high, though it looks like it did end up avoiding his face. Take a look:
Jesús Medina was hit by an object thrown from the crowd after NYCFC scored. pic.twitter.com/n0ptX7nR1u
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 11, 2021
A wild incident that thankfully wasn't worse, but more items appeared to be thrown from the stands following the initial one. NYCFC and Portland players pleaded with the fans to not throw anything else by approaching the touchline and putting up their hands.
The person who hit Medina was quickly removed and banned from Providence Park, according to the Timbers Twitter account, with the club stating there is zero tolerance for such a thing.
The fan who threw the object was ejected from the game, and has been banned from Providence Park. There is zero tolerance for behavior of that kind.
— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) December 11, 2021
NYCFC led 1-0 late in the second half, and you can follow the action with our live blog here. The Timbers are going for their second ever MLS Cup title, with NYCFC appearing in the final for the very first time.
