MLS: Columbus 3-3 NYCFC
- 1’ – NYC – Frank Lampard
- 49’ – CLB – Justin Meram (Waylon Francis, Will Trapp)
- 80’ – CLB – Ethan Finlay (PK)
- 83’ – NYC – David Villa (Andrea Pirlo)
- 90’+2’ – NYC – David Villa (PK)
- 90’+5’ – CLB – Ethan Finlay
It was a thriller in Columbus between the Crew and New York City FC with four goals in the last 15 minutes of the game including two goals in extra-time! NYC forward David Villa, who leads the golden boot standings, thought he had given a precious away victory to his squad but Finlay was able to level the game at the last second for Columbus. This game was undoubtedly the match of the day in MLS.
Coach NYFC Patrick Viera comments on the showdown:
“It was difficult for the referees because he had to make some really tough decisions, but I think we have to analyze the game. We had some (calls) go for us, some went against us. But of course you’re frustrated, I’m frustrated, because … it’s difficult to concede the goal at the end.
To play against a good team like that and to be on the road and take a point and come home with a point, it’s going to serve us well at the end of the season,” he said. “It’s something we can hang our hat on a little bit.
Playing away from home, we have to show that we are well-organized but we have to show some character as well, some personality,” he said. “We did it again tonight, and we just have to manage to improve our home record.
It was, I think, the type of game that everybody enjoyed,” he said. “I enjoyed it on the field because it was difficult for both teams. Both teams, at times, played well. It was drama…and I hope the fans enjoyed it. It was a really good game of football with goals, teams leading, teams coming back, changes of tactics. I think it was the type of game that MLS needs.”
As for Lampard, Pirlo and Villa the older stars have responded well during the first half of the season as New York City FC leads Eastern Conference Standings with a point in front of Toronto FC.
