David Villa scores twice as New York City FC win on Andrea Pirlo`s debut
David Villa scored twice to helped ensure new team-mate Andrea Pirlo launched his Major League Soccer career in style with New York City FC`s 5-3 victory over Orlando.
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Washington: David Villa scored twice to help ensure new team-mate Andrea Pirlo launched his Major League Soccer career in style with New York City FC`s 5-3 victory over Orlando.
Chants of "We want Pirlo!" were answered in the 57th minute, when the Italian entered the game to a standing ovation from the crowd of 32,041.
He spoke briefly to former Milan team-mate and now Orlando star Kaka then settled in quickly, his deft touch enchanting fans who cheered his every touch of the ball.
"It was very emotional when I got on the pitch," Pirlo said. "Despite the heat, it felt great. Since we won, it`s even better."
Pirlo`s skill and poise immediately affected his new team-mates.
"Special, special player, obviously, a guy who sees passes that most of us don`t, who can really open up the game," New York city coach Jason Kreis said.
"From what I saw right away is our team opening up and really using every ounce of space out there because they felt like he could find them."
Added Spanish forward Villa, NYCFC`s top scorer and captain: "His half-an-hour was fantastic."
But it was Villa who was the main difference-maker.
Villa`s first strike gave the hosts a 1-0 lead on the stroke of halftime, controlling a ball from Angelino with one touch, turning and blasting a right-footed shot past Orlando keeper Tally Hall.
His second goal in the 67th minute saw NYCFC edge ahead 3-2, Villa`s strike from the top of the penalty area taking a deflection past Hall.
Thomas McNamara made it 4-2 just four minutes later after Pirlo threaded a ball to Kwado Poku, who found McNamara.
Orlando forward Cyle Larin`s hat trick -- with goals in the 50th, 61st and 85th minutes -- kept the tension high but ultimately wasn`t enough.
Javier Calle also scored for New York City, in the 53rd minute, and after Kaka hit the post with a free kick in injury time Mix Diskerud tacked on one more for the home side to complete the triumph.
Only one thing was lacking to make New York fans` satisfaction complete.
Former England international Frank Lampard again saw his debut delayed because of a nagging calf injury, which will also keep the 37-year-old midfielder out of next week`s MLS All-Star game against Tottenham in Denver.