VIDEO: Andrea Pirlo makes New York City FC debut against Orlando City
New York City FC's newest star, Andrea Pirlo, made his MLS debut Sunday at Yankee Stadium in a 5-2 win over Orlando City.
Pirlo, 36, entered the match in the 57th minute, replacing Mehdi Ballouchy, and ran straight to Orlando captain Kaka, with whom he shared a quick handshake.
Andrea Pirlo makes his @MLS debut for @NYCFC. He's the 10th World Cup winner to play in MLS.
— Paul Carr (@PCarrESPN) July 26, 2015
Fans had been chanting for Pirlo throughout the match, and those demands got louder after New York conceded a goal to Cyle Larin.
Pirlo slotted in at central midfield and made his presence felt immediately, whipping crosses onto the left for new teammate David Villa to pick up.
The fans, for the 3rd time tonight cheering: "We want Pirlo!!" #MakeItHappen #PirloMania pic.twitter.com/1S6e6nxqAf
— Marco Messina (@Marcocalcio22) July 26, 2015
Pirlo came in and Larin added a second goal, but the Italian midfielder made him pay, dropping the Canadian forward with a strong first touch and a turn. He then set up New York's next two goals with his signature passing vision.
Pirlo orchestrating the last 2 NYCFC goals with ease. Pirlo > Poku > Villa/McNamara. #MLS pic.twitter.com/st8Fn0qxms
— Ben Jata (@Ben_Jata) July 26, 2015
Pirlo will soon be joined by Frank Lampard in New York's midfield; the Chelsea icon is battling a calf injury that has him ruled out of the MLS All-Star Game.