A stoppage time goal from David Villa seemingly had New York City FC on the path to three points. Up a goal with just seconds remaining in what had been an attack-heavy thriller, NYCFC looked like they would emerge from MAPFRE Stadium with a hard-fought win.
They didn’t, as Ethan Finlay canceled out Villa’s finish with one of his own even deeper into stoppage time, sealing a thrilling 3-3 draw between the Columbus Crew and NYCFC. The match featured four goals after the 80th minute, two of which came from the penalty spot.
Finlay’s winner came in the 95th minute, just three minutes after Villa had fired NYCFC into the lead with a penalty kick. Following a blocked shot in the box, the Crew winger pounced on the loose ball, firing home from the center of the box to seal a point for the Crew. The draw is the Crew’s fourth in five games, although the club remains winless since May 28. NYCFC, meanwhile, ties their second straight game and remains unbeaten in three matches.
Frank Lampard opened the scoring four minutes before halftime with his ninth goal in 10 games before Justin Meram leveled the scoreline just four minutes after the break. The two sides remained deadlocked until Finlay’s 80th minute penalty started what would turn out to be a goal bonanza.
Three minutes after Finlay pushed the score to 2-1, Villa fired back on an assist from Andrea Pirlo. The Spaniard doubled his tally from the spot early in stoppage time, paving the way for Finlay’s late heroics to seal a draw.
Following the draw, the Crew return to the field next Saturday for a visit to the New England Revolution, while NYCFC hosts the LA Galaxy that same day at Yankee Stadium.
MAN OF THE MATCH
When his team was in need, Ethan Finlay stepped up to the plate, firing a pair of late goals with the latter earning a deserved point for a Crew team in need of all they can get.
MOMENT OF THE MATCH
95th minute equalizers tend to earn Moment of the Match honors, and Finlay’s late finish is certainly worthy of the recognition.
MATCH TO FORGET
Fans of defending, Saturday’s clash was not one for you. Both sides were pitiful in defense, with Fredric Brillant standing out due to the penalty he conceded.
Eyewtiness news 7 in nyc reported this as a 3-2 win for nycfc on saturday night. apparently, they didn’t watch the whole match….
Good to see Finlay back in the starting eleven and doubling his goals for the season in the final 15 minutes. Afful was match to forget for me, kept Villa onside on the 2nd goal and the handball on the third.