New York City FC 2, FC Dallas 2: Blues fight back to split points with league leaders

An impeccable Jack Harrison cross found a soaring Khiry Shelton for a headed equalizer in the 78th minute as New York City FC drew FC Dallas Saturday evening at Yankee Stadium, 2-2.

A Bronx crowd of 25,204 watched Tommy McNamara pounce on an opening goal only to see FC Dallas surge ahead through Maxi Urruti (20’) and Michael Barrios (52’).

But thanks to some late heroics from a couple of NYCFC’s youngest lads, the league-leading visitors — fresh off a U.S. Open Cup title Tuesday night — wouldn’t have the last laugh.

“The moment I saw Jack had the ball, I knew I had to get into the box,” Shelton said after the match. The 78th minute leveler was the third goal of the season for the second-year man out of Oregon State, and came off Harrison’s second assist of the day.

How about an even prettier stat? NYCFC are undefeated in their last six home games since falling to Real Salt Lake on June 2nd.

The result was to be marred by the early departure of Frank Lampard due to an apparent injury just before halftime, as well as an agonizing one-on-one miss in the dying moments by his replacement, Stiven Mendoza. But count gaffer Patrick Vieira among those satisfied with a comeback draw against a top side.

“I think when you analyze the game and you look at the players and the team that we play against, I’m really happy to get the point tonight,” he told NYCFC.com.

On the opposite sideline, Dallas manager Oscar Pareja felt like he got his money’s worth.

“I thought we saw two very good teams playing and giving all they have and creating a lot of entertainment for the people with a lot of intensity, desire and passion. I think it’s one step forward for the image [MLS] can give to the world.”

Next up for NYCFC: a Friday date with last-in-the-league Chicago under the lights at Yankee Stadium. The action touches off at 8pm ET on UniMas.