DAVID VILLA!

Sorry, just trying to keep my composure.

New York City FC take all three points on the road against the struggling Philadelphia Union. NYCFC score two goals in the second half through Jack Harrison and David Villa. The latter did something special. Very special. One that you’ll watch over. And over. And over.

Fun Fact

The Philadelphia Union are on a pretty remarkable streak heading into Friday night’s game against NYCFC– though it’s not a pretty one. The Union have not won a game since August 27, 2016. That was last season. The streak continues.

Also, David Villa is pretty good.

The Goals

52’ New York City FC – Ronald Matarritta picked out Harrison with an impressive pass with the outside of his left boot. Harrison’s shot was deflected but found its way into the back of the net.

90’ David Villa – Villa’s postgame explanation went something along the lines of: “I was tired so I just tried to shoot.” The man simply chipped one of the top keepers in Major League Soccer from 53.5 yards out because he was tired. It doesn’t make any sense, but MLS doesn’t make any sense.

50 yards out. FIFTY. Just a ridiculous goal from @Guaje7Villa ? https://t.co/YZY6UFo1Lv — Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 15, 2017

Player Of The Match

Maxime Chanot and Alexander Callens were superb tonight and I was going back-and-forth between both – until the winding minutes of the match. Sorry fellas’, but your teammate just scored the goal of the season, and last season, and probably the season before that.

Game Summary

The first-half ended scoreless, but was about as entertaining of a half that you could expect in a goalless affair. Both teams created legitimate scoring chances through their entirely different styles of play. NYCFC was forced into several giveaways due to Union’s high press, though they failed to capitalize on their opportunities. NYCFC also had a legitimate claim for a penalty call after a low driven volley from Villa hit the hand of a Union defender, but the decision was not given.

Tale of two halves, here. NYCFC came out on the front foot after halftime and played some of their best soccer of the season. Matarritta picked out Harrison who made a perfectly timed run in behind the back line of the Union and made no mistake on the left-footed finish. NYCFC could’ve easily had another 2-3 goals but Andre Blake made some impressive saves to deny Villa and Maxi Moralez, while Rodney Wallace misplayed a golden opportunity. In the 90′, David Villa happened.

Next Up: Orlando City

NYCFC will look to grab all three points when Orlando City visits Yankee Stadium on Sunday, April 23. NYCFC lost 1-0 to Orlando last month and that loss will certainly be in the back of their minds heading into the match. Orlando has been quietly impressive thus far, with 3 wins in their 4 games this season. Both teams are at the top of the Eastern Conference setting us up for an exciting match-up in the Bronx. Stay tuned!