CNN —A furry pitch invader paused Major League Soccer play on Wednesday as a rogue raccoon ran onto the field during a match between the Philadelphia Union and New York City FC.
The athletic critter ran the length of the pitch at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, deftly evading capture while sprinting stadium staff tried to apprehend it using a trash can.
“We need to find him a ball because he’s moving very well in the center of midfield,” a commentator quipped during the kerfuffle, adding that it was “entertainment of its own kind.”Raquinho the raccoon was eventually captured and later released.
Eric Hartline/USA TODAY Sports/ReutersThe match was paused for five minutes as crews tried and eventually succeeded in capturing the animal, dubbed “Raquinha the Raccoon” by MLS.
The Union sent out an update saying that the raccoon was “put in good hands” and was safely released.
Persons:
”, Eric Hartline, “, NYCFC, Alonso Martínez, Hannes Wolf
Organizations:
CNN, Major League Soccer, Philadelphia Union, New York City FC, Subaru, Reuters, MLS, The Union
Locations:
Chester , Pennsylvania