New York Metropolis FC and the Philadelphia Union handled a pitch invader of the furry form throughout Wednesday night time’s match at Subaru Park.
A raccoon — dubbed “Raquinho” — made its method onto the sector throughout the first half of the NYCFC’s 2-1 victory over the Union, delaying the sport for roughly 161 seconds, in line with MLS Communications.
The critter entered the sector throughout the twenty first minute, making its method into the penalty space on the NYCFC finish earlier than showing to need to be a part of the motion on the opposite facet of the sector the place New York had a throw-in.
Raquinho then jogged down the sector all the way in which to the opposite finish earlier than stadium staffers tried to corral the creature utilizing empty trash cans.
“You thought [Lionel] Messi matches had pitch invaders,” former MLS participant Calen Carr joked on the Apple TV+ broadcast.
The hilarious sequence continued because the raccoon went again to the opposite finish of the pitch, the place the excessive drama actually started, because the critter grew to become surrounded by stadium staffers desperately making an attempt to catch it so the sport might proceed.
“That is marvelous leisure,” play-by-play man Callum Williams stated whereas narrating the surreal scene.
“Very practically bought away. Go on, raccoon,” Williams continued. “Very practically bought away. You will get out. Don’t harm him! They bought it. They bought the raccoon!”
The raccoon was given a loud cheer from the Union’s supporter part because it was carried off the sector within the trash can.
The Union stated in a social media submit later within the night time that the animal had been safely launched.
“Unofficially, Raquinho the Raccoon spent 161 seconds on the sector tonight, which was probably the most by a raccoon in @MLS historical past,” MLS Communications posted on X.
NYCFC had some enjoyable with the absurdity as nicely, posting a meme with the raccoon on social media.
Los Templados, one among NYCFC’s supporter teams, shared one other meme on their Instagram of a raccoon holding up a New York Metropolis jersey.
NYCFC got here away with a giant win on Wednesday night time because it heads into the primary installment of the Hudson River Derby on Saturday when the Pink Bulls come to Citi Area.
Alonso Martínez gave NYCFC the early lead with a purpose within the second minute, and Hannes Wolf prolonged the lead with a tally within the forty fifth minute.
Wednesday marked the primary time this season that NYCFC has received back-to-back video games on the highway.
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