On Thursday night against the Philadelphia Union at Yankee Stadium, New York City FC midfielder Mehdi Ballouchy scored his first goal since March 31, 2012.
The Moroccan received a pass at the corner of the 18-yard box from rookie Khiry Shelton, who made his first-ever start. Ballouchy faked going to his right to create space from the defender and curled his left-footed attempt into the back of the net in the 57th minute, putting the Club ahead 1-0. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
The finish was extra sweet for the 32-year-old journeyman, who is currently with his sixth Major League Soccer club. Ballouchy, who was named the Heineken Star of the Match, has overcome not one, but two ACL injuries, surgeries and rehabs in between goals.
Here is the story of his day in words, video, pictures, quotes and numbers.
Please enable Javascript to watch this video
By the Numbers
- The goal was Ballouchy's first for New York City FC
- Scored for the first time since March 31, 2012
- Had a team-high 51 passes
Ballouchy said
"It has been awhile…having had two ACL injuries in 20 months. I’m happy I scored…but at the same time it’s disappointing to end up tying this game. We should have won."
