"The brunt of the storm itself was intense but short -- there was very strong rain and wind for about 15 minutes, at which point the rain cleared and the lightning show began, " said Matthew Burke, a CNN iReporter who photographed lightning sprawling across the New York City skyline.

CNN: N.Y. state official among 3 killed during powerful storms

In the day's other game involving an African team, Burkina Faso secured a 1-1 draw with New Zealand in a match which had to be suspended at one point because of torrential rain in Enugu.

BBC: Gambia lose, Burkina draw at U17

Hail and heavy rain pelted the metro area to the point that emergency workers had trouble responding to "widespread" reports of injuries.

NPR: 2 Dead When Tornado Hits Oklahoma City Area