Raccoon invades field and dodges trash can-wielding officials at soccer gam
When a raccoon invades the field during a high-stakes soccer game, chaos ensues as officials armed with trash cans try and fail to capture the nimble intruder. This hilarious and unexpected interruption leaves players and fans in stitches. Watch the epic moments unfold as the raccoon expertly dodges every attempt to catch it, showcasing incredible agility and a knack for mischief. This must-see video captures the lighter side of sports and nature colliding in the most unpredictable way.
"We need to find him a ball because he's moving very well in the center of midfield," the commentator said.
Raccoon Invades Philadelphia Union vs New York City FC Soccer Game
A raccoon enters the field during the game between New York City FC and the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park on Wednesday. Terence Lewis / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
By Patrick Smith
American sports might have seen its most epic battle of the year: one raccoon vs a team of men trying to catch it with trash cans.
The striped-tailed intruder stopped play for almost two minutes in the Major League Soccer game between Philadelphia Union and New York City on Wednesday night. This prompted a battle of wit and skill with staff on the field of Subaru Park in Chester, PA.
"We need to find him a ball because he's moving very well in the center of midfield," said Callum Williams, the commentator on Apple TV.
"I don't think I've ever seen anything quite as bizarre as this, especially given the amount of time he's stayed on the field," he added.
A stadium official approached the urban scavenger with a trash can, but the creature was too quick and escaped.
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Having run almost the full length of the field in its bid for freedom, a second staff member then tried to stop the furry fugitive. Before a third man, armed with another trash can, finally managed to capture it.
By this point, the match commentators were rooting for the raccoon.
"This is marvelous entertainment. Go on, raccoon! You can get away," Williams said, before adding "Don't hurt him!" as the plastic prison was finally put into place.
Dubbed "Raquinho" by some, it now holds the record of spending the most minutes of any raccoon on the field in MLS history, the league said.
YouTube commentator argued
Fans speculated which team would be first to sign the raccoon, given its impressive footwork and speed. One YouTube commentator argued that it had already shown more promise than any Manchester United attacker this season.
The raccoon was picked up by a local pest control company and released back into the wild, Philadelphia Union said in a statement on X.
Fans wondered which team would sign the raccoon first, considering its impressive footwork and speed. One YouTube commentator argued it had already shown more promise than any Manchester United attacker this season.
The raccoon's appearance was not a good sign for the home team: Philadelphia lost the game 2-1, leaving the team in ninth place in the MLS table after 12 games.
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