A Rare #Yankee Stadium Victory for NYCFC
By Howard Goldin
BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- The two MLS freshman clubs of the 2015 season, NYC FC (6‐9‐6) and Orlando City SC (6‐9‐6), met for the second time this year on Sunday afternoon at Yankee Stadium. Their first meeting was their first match of the season, a 1‐1 draw, before a huge crowd of more than 62,000 at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando.
Judging by the play earlier in the season, it appeared Orlando would be the favorite. The visitors have the second best record on the road while NYC has the worst home mark.
A large crowd of 32,041 were present for Latin American day celebration. Latino students were honored. The very talented City Beats, a 15-piece band that entertains fans across the street before all contests and during the matches in the Stadium, played a medley of Latin music during the halftime intermission. New York Yankees fans received a thrill of again seeing Yankees icon Bernie Williams on the field as he performed the National Anthem. The talented musician exhibited his skill on the guitar by his excellent rendition.
The soccer fans had a wonderful opportunity to see several world renowned superstars during the contest. Kaká of Orlando was the FIFA Player of the Year in 2007, Andrea Pirlo of NYC, in his first match with them, was on the 2006 World Cup Champs and David Villa was on the 2010 World Cup winners.
The first goal came in the closing minute of the first half on a shot by Viila, his 11th of the season. Goals came much more quickly in the second half. Cyle Larin, a Canadian, scored the first of his three goals to tie the game in the 50th minute. The score was knotted again in the 61st minute after both teams scored. After two more NYC goals in the following 10 minutes, the home victory was ensured. Although Villa scored twice and Kwadwo Poku had three assists, the post‐game attention was given to Italian international Piro in his first contest for NYC.
NYC coach Jason Kreis said of Pirlo, “He’s a special player. He can really open up the game. He made a big difference for us today after only four days of practice.”
His new teammate, Villa, also was fulsome in praise, “It was fantastic to play with him today. There are very few players at that level. He will give a lot of confidence to the young players.”
Another new international addition, Frank Lampard, may soon the club.
The 5‐3 victory was very important to NYC as the three points tie them with Orlando for 6th place. Six teams in each division qualify for the playoffs.
#Soccer #NYCFC #YankeeStadium
