MLS's Uninvited Guest: Raquinho, the Raccoon Who Interrupted the Philadelphia Union vs New York City FC Game

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania United States of America
Philadelphia Union lost 2-1 to New York City FC despite Raquinho's appearance
Raccoon named Raquinho interrupted MLS game between Philadelphia Union and New York City FC
Raquinho spent a record-breaking 161 seconds on the field
MLS's Uninvited Guest: Raquinho, the Raccoon Who Interrupted the Philadelphia Union vs New York City FC Game

An unexpected raccoon made a surprise appearance during the Major League Soccer (MLS) game between Philadelphia Union and New York City FC at Subaru Park on May 16, 2024. The raccoon, later named 'Raquinho' by MLS, invaded the soccer field and caused a brief interruption in play with New York City FC leading 1-0.

The raccoon's actions on the pitch were quite impressive as it evaded capture attempts from stadium staff using trash cans. The animal spent a record-breaking 161 seconds on the field, making it the longest time spent by a raccoon in MLS history.

Despite its vile nature, Raquinho's actions were met with amusement and fascination from both teams and spectators alike. The MLS 360 crew debated whether the raccoon was cute or not, acknowledging that while they found it adorable, it was also a wild animal.

The Philadelphia Union ultimately lost the game 2-1 to New York City FC after a second-minute goal by Alonso Martínez and a Hannes Wolf free-kick in injury time in the first half. Raquinho's appearance did not seem to be an omen for the home team, as they had already suffered four consecutive home losses prior to this game.

Raquinho was eventually captured by stadium staff and safely released off the stadium campus by Hoffman's, a local pest control company. The raccoon's unexpected visit added excitement to an otherwise ordinary soccer match and became a topic of conversation among fans and media alike.



Confidence

85%

Doubts
  • How did Raquinho get onto the soccer field in the first place?
  • Was Raquinho actually a wild raccoon or was it a staged event?

Sources

100%

  • Unique Points
    • An unexpected raccoon invaded the Philadelphia Union-New York City FC soccer game at Subaru Park during MLS Matchday 14.
    • The raccoon earned the nickname ‘Raccinho’ from the MLS 360 crew due to its actions on the soccer field.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

100%

  • Unique Points
    • A raccoon interrupted a Major League Soccer match between the Philadelphia Union and New York City FC at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania.
    • The raccoon spent 161 seconds on the field, making it the longest time spent by a raccoon in MLS history.
    • The animal was named ‘Raquinho the Raccoon’ by MLS.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

100%

  • Unique Points
    • A raccoon interrupted an MLS game at Subaru Park on Wednesday night.
    • The raccoon earned the nickname ‘Raquinho’ from MLS PR account.
    • Raquinho spent 161 seconds on the field which is a record for raccoons in MLS history.
    • Players from both teams watched as stadium workers captured the raccoon using trash cans and secured it between two trash cans.
    • The raccoon was safely released off the stadium campus by Hoffman’s, a local pest control company.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

100%

  • Unique Points
    • A raccoon invaded a Major League Soccer game between Philadelphia Union and New York City on Wednesday night.
    • The raccoon stopped play for almost two minutes and prompted a battle between the animal and stadium officials.
    • Stadium officials attempted to capture the raccoon using trash cans but were unsuccessful.
    • The raccoon ran the length of the field before being captured by a third official.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

100%

  • Unique Points
    • Raquinho spent 161 seconds on the field which is a record for a raccoon in MLS history.
    • The raccoon managed to evade security for an extended period of time and covered more ground than a box-to-box midfielder.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication