New York City FC returned to action for one last time in 2015, beating the Puerto Rico national team 2-1 in a friendly Friday night at Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium in Bayamón.
Second-half substitute Kwadwo Poku netted the winning goal in the first minute of stoppage time, skirting the Puerto Rican defense to slip a shot past the goalkeeper. The first two tallies came via own goals.
New York, whose inaugural MLS season ended in late October, fielded a lineup of regulars to start the match with their three international stars, Andrea Pirlo, David Villa and Frank Lampard, all getting the start.
- For more on City's trip to Puerto Rico, visit NYCFC.com
And they struck first when in the seventh minute left back RJ Allen sent in a cross that Puerto Rico hit into their own net for the own goal. New York goalkeeper Josh Saunders, making a return to where he played in 2007 with the Puerto Rico Islanders, now of the NASL, produced two stellar saves right before the half to maintain City’s lead.
Puerto Rico, however, equalized in the same fashion, capitalizing on a New York own goal in the 69th minute.
