Andrea Pirlo made his MLS debut in New York City's thrilling 5-3 victory over Orlando City on Sunday.
Andrea Pirlo was afforded a rapturous welcome from the New York City FC faithful as he came off the bench to make his MLS bow in the club's 5-3 win over Orlando City.
The legendary Italian was introduced 12 minutes into the second half of Sunday's match at Yankee Stadium with his side leading 2-1 thanks to goals from David Villa and Javier Calle, which sandwiched Cyle Larin's equalizer.
Pirlo exchanged pleasantries with former Milan teammate and now-Orlando star Kaka and was cheered every time he touched the ball, as he treated the home fans to a typically classy passing display as he strolled effortlessly around the midfield.
“It was great because I could tell that they wanted me to play. When I got on the pitch, it was absolutely amazing to hear all of the applause," Pirlo said. "It was very emotional to hear and I really did appreciate it.”
Larin threatened to spoil the party when he leveled with his second goal of the game shortly after Pirlo's arrival, but Villa's 12th of the season restored New York's advantage in the 67th minute.
Pirlo then had a hand in New York's fourth goal, as he threaded a ball to Kwadwo Poku, who found Thomas McNamara before the 24-year-old lashed a left-footed shot high past Orlando goalkeeper Tally Hall.
“He has a really great calmness around him and you see it when he’s on the ball, as well," midfielder Mix Diskerud said of PIrlo. "He really knows how to move the ball and he really sees everything.”
Larin completed his hat trick with a brilliant toe-poked finish five minutes from time, before Kaka hit the post with a free kick in injury time and Diskerud's breakaway goal made sure Pirlo enjoyed a winning MLS debut.
“I hope that I will continue to improve my game," PIrlo said. "I have only been training for three days at this point so I also need to feel more comfortable with my teammates and I am sure we will play well together.”
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário