Logo

It was a festive occasion as New York City FC celebrated its first MLS championship.

Ian Joy, soccer analyst for the YES Network, served as master of ceremonies at the City Hall celebration.

MVP Sean Johnson — the goalie who gave up just four goals in four playoff games and lifted his team to victory with massive shootout saves in Saturday’s MLS Cup win over the Portland Timbers — hoisted the MLS Cup trophy in front of fans while exiting City Hall with outgoing mayor Bill de Blasio and his son Dante.

“That’s our Johnson,” cheers erupted from the crowd and the netminder returned the favor with a speech.

“We did it y’all,” Johnson told fans. “It’s been an unbelievable year, we’ve been through ups, downs. This is an honor to captain this team. I’ve been here for five years. I made a commitment when I got here to bring a trophy to the club. It’s the first time in ten years a sports team has brought a championship to the city and it means the world to us.


  Team captain Sean Johnson greets fans with the cup. Stephen Yang for the NY Post Team captain Sean Johnson greets fans with the cup. Stephen Yang for the NY Post

  NYCFC players celebrate on the steps of City Hall after the NYC soccer club won its first MLS Cup. Stephen Yang for the NY Post NYCFC players celebrate on the steps of City Hall after the NYC soccer club won its first MLS Cup. Stephen Yang for the NY Post

“I think we can finally put to rest the debate of what color this city is. New York is blue baby!”

NYCFC president and CEO Brad Sims also gave a speech, though it was drowned out by “We want a stadium!” chants from the crowd. The requests for a new stadium also hit the Mayor, who was serenaded with boos.


  NYCFC fans gather at City Hall for a celebration after the NYC soccer club won its first MLS Cup. Stephen Yang for the NY Post NYCFC fans gather at City Hall for a celebration after the NYC soccer club won its first MLS Cup. Stephen Yang for the NY Post

  NYC mayor Bill de Blasio gives “Keys to the City” to the players. Stephen Yang for the NY Post NYC mayor Bill de Blasio gives “Keys to the City” to the players. Stephen Yang for the NY Post

De Blasio praised the team, the area’s first to win an MLS title.

“New York City loves this team,” he said. “You guys have made us proud. New York City is blue.”

Tayvon Gray, a 19-year-old defender who was born in The Bronx, was given a key to the city.


  Team captain Sean Johnson and coach Ronny Deila Stephen Yang for the NY Post Team captain Sean Johnson and coach Ronny Deila Stephen Yang for the NY Post

At the end of the ceremony, “Blitzkrieg Bop” by The Ramones blared to the crowd.

Comments
anonymous profile image
Powered by RoundtableBuilt on infrastructure designed for real-time media. Learn more at RTB.io.© Roundtable 2026. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy