FORT Lauderdale, Florida – Valentin Castellanos scored two goals to stay in the mix to win the Golden Boot award as New York City FC beat Inter Miami 3-1 on Saturday.
New York City (14-11-8) beat Miami (11-17-5) in the playoff.
Castellanos’ 18 goals is the most for a New York City player in a single season since David Villa spent three seasons with more than 18 goals from 2015-2017. Castellanos entered the first day behind top scorer Ola Camara of DC United.
Castellanos scored in the 33rd minute to lead 1-0. He got a pass from Keaton Parks about 25 yards, took three touches and sent it to goalkeeper John McCarthy.
Castellanos made it 2-1 on a break in the 60th minute to score his fourth goal against Miami this season. He added his eighth assists this season in the 83rd minute on Thales Magno’s goal.
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