Reigning MLS MVP David Villa scored one of the greatest goals of his long and storied career in New York City FC’s 2-0 win over Philadelphia Union on Friday night.
The 53.5 yard volley, the furthest-out a goal has been scored in MLS since data sets have been kept by ESPN, was scored in the 90th minute to clinch NYCFC’s first road win of 2017.
“At first I did not know if the ball was inside or outside, so when I realized that the ball was in the back of the net, it was fantastic, it was a good finish, and I think it takes a special player to score a special goal,” said coach Patrick Viera.
“I think it’s there with the best one. If you look at the period of the game where everyone is tired and has heavy legs, and to have the eye to see the goal forward and to execute the technical side of the volley was fantastic, and it’s good because that second goal was very important, and of course it was one of the best goals I have ever seen.”
The Spanish national team’s record goalscorer has now scored four goals in six games in 2017 and NYCFC have a record of 3-2-1 for the season.