Photo by Jean-Yves Ahern/USA TODAY Sports
By AARON CRANFORD
Didier Drogba opened his MLS goal-scoring account 27 minutes into Saturday’s match against the Chicago Fire, but his night was only just beginning.
In a seven-goal thriller at Stade Saputo, the Montreal Impact earned a 4-3 victory over the Fire, and Drogba led the charge with a hat trick.
The pair of Eastern Conference foes battled it out until the end, with both sides answering each others’ goals until Drogba’s game-winning goal in the 61st minute. The win gives the Impact an important four-point advantage over the Fire in the playoff race.
The Ivorian star used a bit of composure and strength to handle a Nigel Reo-Coker cross before slotting his first MLS goal in during the 27th minute against the Fire.
However, the celebration in front of 20,801 would not last for long. Harrison Shipp was tripped by Maxim Tissot, and Jeff Larentowicz buried the subsequent penalty kick nine minutes after Drogba’s opener.
Montreal grabbed the lead again six minutes later, with Wandrille Lefevre scoring a header after a Marco Donadel corner kick, but the two teams headed into the break level.
The Fire equalized once again, as Brazilian forward Gilberto converted a simple tap-in two minutes after Lefevre’s header, scoring a right-footed effort near the six-yard box. Kennedy Igboananike fizzed in a low cross from the right wing for the assist.
In the 52nd minute, Sean Johnson dove to his right to deny an Andres Romero effort. And one minute later, he made an even bigger save, denying Justin Mapp from scoring a point blank effort.
Six minutes later, the Fire would take the lead. Igboananike rose high on a corner kick to head in the go-ahead goal.
Drogba quickly responded.
The 37-year-old striker found himself free on goal after a quick free kick was played to him, and Drogba smashed in the chance during the 61st minute.
Four minutes passed, and Drogba did it again.
This time, he blasted a shot on frame, and although Johnson denied the first effort, Drogba would not be denied his hat trick, following up his own effort with a header on the goal line.
Ignacio Piatti almost thundered in an effort of his own moments later, but a heroic tip from Johnson prevented a spectacular goal.
The Fire will play the New York Red Bulls Friday, while the Impact will travel to meet the LA Galaxy the next day.
Montreal was missing Ciman, Oyongo and Cabrera on defense.
Giovinco > Gio > Drogba > Gerrard > Pirlo >>> MLS Pool Player > Lampard
personally, I’d say you’re severely underrating Drogba, he is a world all-time great, PERHAPS relative to now this list may be close to correct(ish) but imho Drogba is actually a better PLAYER than beckham thus he’s the biggest MLS signing to date. just mho…
Judging by the way Drogba reacted to each goal, u can tell he’s there to compete and win. Saputo hit the jackpot with this signing.
The defending was horrid, on both sides. However, Drogba’s 1st goal was absolutely unbelievable….a first touch and spin around that was totally world class. His 2nd goal was evidence of how poor their defense was, as he was wide open for the ball. His 3rd goal was him busting his arsss to score. Wow!
Were the offenses good, the defenses bad or a little of both?
Drogba looked like a man amongst boys out there.
yes! i was hoping he would do that!
la-montreal: bring it!
I hope Drogba plays til he’s 60
Those are Champions League finalist that just got Drogba, looking like that.
The Galaxy-Impact game will be fun one to watch.