(Frank Lampard – Photo by Mike Lawrence)
Frank Lampard scored his first goal as a member of the New York City Football Club in their big 2-0 win over Toronto FC on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium.
This big moment was a long time coming for Lampard, as he was only playing his fifth game this season after dealing with calf and hamstring injuries and all the drama surrounding his signing and delayed arrival with NYC FC.
Lampard, the all-time leading scorer for English Premier League’s Chelsea, showed the New York fans what he was brought here for.
In the 20th minute, Andrea Pirlo sent in a long pass from 40 yards out that was tracked down by R.J. Allen along the sideline, and he then flicked it back to Lampard, coming down the right side of the box. Lampard drilled it to make it 1-0 NYC FC.
Lampard said of the goal, “Brilliant. It was great. I didn’t catch it the best it sort of just bobbled in the corner. But it’s great to get off the mark. I had a tough start with injuries, but I’m getting fitter and hopefully more to come. It’s been frustrating for me. No one is more frustrated than the player himself. I want to give back. I want to show people what I can do. It’s a goal. I’ll get fitter and there will be more goals I hope. For me personally it was nice and for the team to win it is nice. Very important to get back on the winning track and important again on Saturday (against San Jose at Yankee Stadium.”
NYC FC Head Coach Jason Kreis said of Lampard’s goal, “All I can really speak to is the frustrations that I’ve heard coming from him about the injury situation, not being able to get out there and finally contribute to the group. He’s an unbelievable professional and he’s an unbelievable person and he really has desperately wanted to help this group for a very long time, and so I think that he felt I’m sure quite relieved by that goal.”
Lampard said of his relationship with Pirlo, who was credited with an assist on both NYC FC goals, “You can’t not enjoy playing with a player of his quality. He’s a master of the ball. He plays fantastic passes. You know when you move that he is going to find you. I think today was more of a team performance. From Josh in goal who was absolutely fantastic right through – the work rate and desire to get the win was brilliant and that is what we need to get wins here at the end of the season.”
NYC FC Midfielder Andrew Jacobson said of Lampard’s first goal, “It felt good for everyone. Everyone was really excited for him. He’s worked so hard since he’s got here. He’s a great guy in the locker room, great guy on the practice field. Everyone’s rooting for him.”
Jacobson said of playing with Lampard and Pirlo and his roll, “When I’m around players like Lampard and Pirlo I’m really trying to compliment them the best I can. My job is done when they can have good games and save a little energy to go forward and give them the ball.”