New York City FC are one game away from reaching the 2021 MLS Cup Final.
For this edition of 'The Away End' presented by Berkeley College & Rennert International, we spoke to sports broadcaster and sideline reporter Marisa Pilla.
How long have you been covering soccer?
I've been covering soccer since 2016 when I first started with the Philadelphia Union.
What’s been your favorite moment covering soccer?
My favorite moment has to be this past summer when I was at the Tokyo Olympics with NBC. I got to see the USWNT win a bronze medal, the Canadian women's national team win their first-ever gold, and Dani Alves win his first gold meal with Brazil.
Philadelphia Union entered the season as Supporters' Shield holders. How would you evaluate their 2021 Regular Season?
Overall, I'd call it a success. Expectations were so high this year for the Union after they showed they could not just survive but thrive in a tumultuous 2020 season. Early on this season, sights were set on CCL. How many times have we seen MLS teams go all-in with CCL only to have their MLS season suffer for it? I was impressed with how the Union overall seemed to manage the inevitable CCL hangover and continue to have a strong regular season. What I love about this team is their ability to lean on an array of players to get results, which has been exemplified throughout this season. Not to mention, they found a way to continue to push on after having lost two of their best players this off-season in Brenden Aaronson and Mark McKenzie.
If you were to identify the Union's dangerman, who would that be?
Never underestimate the danger of Andre Blake.
Are there any weaknesses you think NYCFC can exploit?
Like I'd tell you guys...
The two teams have met three times this season. What are your predictions for Sunday?
The teams are split at 1-1-1 this year with the Union most recently picking up a 1-1 draw on Decision Day. If the past has taught me anything about matchups against NYCFC it's that you never know which way these things are going to go. Both teams are extremely ruthless and have shown they can grind out matches by any means necessary (PKs included). This is going to be a close game for sure, I think it'll be decided by a goal. Please no more PKs, I can't take it.
