Whether it was the pre-game ceremony, in which he was presented with a special jersey, ring and proclamation from the New York City Mayor’s office in honor of 300 career goals for club and country, or his late-game heroics, one thing was evident Thursday night in the Bronx.
It was most definitely Frank Lampard Day.
The legendary English midfielder struck for a late brace, sending the 23,768 in attendance at Yankee Stadium home happy and inching NYCFC closer to a first-ever MLS Cup playoff berth.
“It’s a huge result for us,” Lampard said. “It doesn’t mean anything quite yet, but in terms of what we want to do, which is to get as close to the top of the conference as we can, get into the playoffs and push on from there.”
Lampard now has 11 goals, including six in his last six games and is eighth in the Golden Boot race, six off the pace set by teammate David Villa.
However, Lampard has done so in just 16 games after missing all of preseason and the first 12 games of the regular season with a severe calf injury.
“I’m really pleased for him because he went through a difficult period in the preseason when he didn’t play and the way he responded is fantastic,” NYCFC coach Patrick Vieira said. “I think he shows how good he is, but we never had any doubt about his talent. … To keep scoring goals at this level is terrific.”
It’s not just the number of goals, it’s when the goals are scored as well. Such was the case Thursday night. With the game tied at one, Lampard pounced on a ball tackled off Villa’s foot and drilled a shot into the net from 12 yards out to give NYCFC a 2-1 lead in the 85th minute.
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After it appeared Lamar Neagle spoiled the party with a headed equalizer in the first minute of stoppage time, Lampard saved his best for last.
First, Lampard headed down a lofted ball toward midfield by Jefferson Mena and played to Khiry Shelton on the right. Shelton, who was superb off the bench, dribbled before a quick hesitation created enough space to send an open pass back to Lampard.
Lampard took a touch into the box and, shifted the ball from his right foot to his left as D.C. United defender Jalen Robinson went to ground. And then, just as quickly, Lampard struck for the dramatic clincher.
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“Last-minute winners are always the best ones. I don’t get bored of that,” Lampard said. “That’s what you work for. When I was injured early in the season and you slug away in the gym, you dream of moments like that. That’s what inspires you to keep working. Thankfully I’ve had a few since I’ve been back, but that was the best one yet because it was so important for us to get that win.”
