Video: David Villa becomes 'first ever free-kick scorer' for MLS newcomers New York City
David Villa scored both goals to guide the MLS newcomers New York City FC to a 2-1 victory over Montreal Impact in the MLS. The former Barcelona and Valencia hitman scored an 82nd-minute free kick, which his agent later claimed to be NYCFC's first ever free kick goal, to round off a man-of-the-match performance.
With six goals in as many games, El Guaje leads the scoring charts for City, who only started playing in the 2015 edition of the MLS along with Orlando City SC, with eight goals.
8 goals for @Guaje7Villa after his double in Montreal (6 in last 6 games). 1st free kick in the @NYCFC history. @MLS pic.twitter.com/l7dJ4okx3G
— Víctor Oñate (@victor_onate) July 5, 2015
Villa scored from an acute angle, after collecting the ball at the edge of the box to give NYCFC the lead in the 34th minute. Impact though had the better chances and Ignancio Piatti deservedly equalised for the hosts with a penalty in the 77th minute.
Impact had not lost at Saputo stadium since May 9 and that run looked set to continue as the game looked like heading for a draw.
David Villa had other ideas though as he scored his sixth goal in as many games, stepping up to take the free-kick after being fouled on the edge of the box in the 82nd minute. The Montreal wall and goalkeeper Evan Bush’s position were questionable but there’s no denying that the former Spanish international’s place in NYCFC folklore, after curling in a sumptuous free kick.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Villa was delighted more about the fact that his man-of-the-match performance helped the team register a win.
He told: “It was great to score and help my team get the three points, especially after a difficult week where we were coming off a loss against the Red Bulls and dealing with a lot of injuries.”