Andrea Pirlo has acquired a few nicknames throughout his illustrious career: El Maestro, The Architect, The Metronome.
The New York City FC midfielder showcased why he's called The Architect in the Club's vital 2-0 win over Toronto FC on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium.
Pirlo was instrumental in both of the Club's goals on the evening. The midfielder played a ball over the top of the defense to RJ Allen, who slid and flicked it backwards to Frank Lampard at the top of the 18-yard box. Lampard controlled it and slotted it home for his first goal for New York City FC that gave the Club a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes. Pirlo was directly involved in the next goal, curling in a lovely corner kick that was headed home by Patrick Mullins in the 77th minute.
Here is the story of Pirlo's day in video, statistics, quotes and more.
By the Numbers
- Registered his third and fourth assists of the season
- Had a match-high 78 total passes (85.9% accuracy)
- Had a match-high 96 touches
Pirlo said:
"We had a great performance. We really needed these three points and in the end, we brought them home."
In the coach's words:
"I think that Andrea is a natural-born competitor who doesn’t take to losing well. And I think that he’s been in many situations like this before that require a massive effort. I think, really, in the last two games he’s really worked extremely hard and played quite well.”
ANDREA PIRLO FOR PRESIDENT
— Codeine Papi (@dylchapo) September 17, 2015
If I could marry that @pmullins14 header, I would. And @Pirlo_official corner would be the best man.
— Jose Tlatenchi (@CityInFlames) September 17, 2015
Andrea Pirlo is just putting on a clinic for NYFC against TFC.
— Paul Dipede (@pauldips7) September 17, 2015
What a cross from @Pirlo_official
— Kevin Slapyznski (@_KJoSlap) September 17, 2015