Entering Sunday, Johan Venegas had scored just once as a member of the Montreal Impact. The 26-year-old midfielder doubled his tally Sunday at Stade Saputo with a game-winning finish.

The Impact winger netted a second-half winner, leading the Impact to a 2-1 victory over the Columbus Crew in Sunday’s opening leg of the Eastern Conference semifinals. With the victory, the Impact now take an advantage to MAPFRE Stadium, where they will take on the Crew next Sunday in the vital second leg.

Venegas’ winner came in the 77th minute, as the Impact substitute darted on goal following a turnover in the midfield.

Venegas stripped the ball from Crew defender Michael Parkhurst near midfield, than raced in on goal. With Didier Drogba streaking down the other side, Venegas opted for a an effort to the far post, tucking his shot into the bottom corner to seal the Impact victory.

The game’s opening goal came as a direct result of a 33rd minute Drogba header, although it would not be for the Impact.

Drogba’s attempt at a headed clearance in front of the Impact goal fell right to the feet of Federico Higuain, who finished off the gift to give the Crew the 1-0 lead and a crucial away goal.

Just four minute later, the Impact found their equalizer through Patrice Bernier, who netted his second goal in as many postseason games. Planted in the box on a Marco Donadel corner kick, Bernier was left all but unmarked and the Impact captain took full advantage by heading in a swift equalizer.

Drogba appeared to give his side the lead with a 15th-minute finish. Battling through two defenders, Drogba’s shot was saved by Steve Clark before caroming into the net off the Ivorian star. Unfortunately for the hosts, referee Chris Penso called Drogba for a handball, waving off the finish.

Still, the call wasn’t enough to deter the Impact, which picked up their second postseason victory in four days.