Midway through the first half of Wednesday night's matchup between the Philadelphia Union and New York City FC, an unexpected player appeared on the pitch.
Screw it, raccoon highlights. pic.twitter.com/n1weQHrmKe
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 16, 2024
Unofficially, Raquinho the Raccoon spent 161 seconds on the field tonight, which was the most by a raccoon in @MLS history. https://t.co/0UON9qSDbT pic.twitter.com/RayNNzj17w
— MLS Communications (@MLS_PR) May 16, 2024
The host Union gave a positive update on the raccoon's condition later in the evening, while the Big Apple was still talking about the creature on social media on Thursday morning.
update
— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) May 16, 2024
Our friend was put in good hands with @HoffmansPest and has been safely released!#DOOP pic.twitter.com/IrPpIDDZAS
GOOD MORNING NYC pic.twitter.com/KbhFWIktmR
— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) May 16, 2024
The creature could not provide a spark for Philadelphia, as they fell 2-1.
The raccoon is far from the first animal to appear at a professional sporting event in the past year.
Last May, baseball fans were entertained and horrified when a squirrel appeared at Yankee Stadium during a game between the Baltimore Orioles and host Yankees, scurrying close to the spectators in their seats.
Seven-time grand slam singles winner Venus Williams was interrupted during a serve in March at the Miami Open when a black and white cat darted across the court. The feline began racing across the playing surface behind the elder Williams sister when she began her serve, staying out of harm's way.
In April, an alligator strolled across the 17th tee box during the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, delaying play.
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