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By Jenna Sundel
News Reporter
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A soccer game in Philadelphia came to a screeching halt when a raccoon decided to storm the field, entertaining the fans and announcers for more than two minutes.
Major League Soccer teams Philadelphia Union and New York City FC were playing a match at Subaru Field on Wednesday when the fury animal made its unexpected appearance during the first half.
The raccoon sprinted up and down the field for more than two minutes, evading the stadium workers using a variety of objects, including trash cans, in an effort to catch it. Both teams were stuck on the sidelines as the raccoon made its prime-time debut.
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The game's announcers narrated the animal's wild run.
"I don't think I've seen anything quite as bizarre as this, particularly given the amount of time he's remained on the field," announcer Callum Williams said.
The raccoon quickly became loved by fans and even the announcers, who cheered the animal on as it tried to make its escape.
Radio announcer Dave Leno joked that the raccoon should try to get a goal for Philadelphia Union.
MLS Communications said the raccoon, which they named "Raquinho," spent 161 seconds on the field. They added that it was the longest a raccoon has spent on the field in the league's history.
The moment caused such a commotion that an announcer for a different MLS game, Taylor Twellman, told viewers to switch over to the other game because his "phone was blowing up," USA TODAY reported.
The animal was finally captured by a stadium worker using a trash can. When it came time to flip the trash can over, a large group of workers assisted with a poster board and another trash can to ensure the raccoon could not get out.
Some fans even offered their opinions on which team should sign the raccoon. A YouTube commentator said "Raquinho" has more potential than any Manchester United attacker this season, according to an NBC News report.
While the raccoon does not have any prospects in soccer, Philadelphia Union shared that it has been safely released after being taken off the stadium by Hoffman's Exterminating.
The game resumed after the raccoon left the field, with New York City FC beating Philadelphia Union 2-1. That brings New York City FC's total wins for the season up to 6, while Philadelphia Union has 3 wins.
Philadelphia Union's next match is against the New England Revolution, while New York City FC faces the New York Red Bulls. Hopefully neither game will get interrupted by an unexpected appearance from a furry friend.
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