What is better than scoring one goal in your first MLS start? How about scoring three goals and leading your team to a much needed win. Didier Drogba has been named MLS Player of the Week after his hat-trick against the Chicago Fire.
It only took 27 minutes into Drogba’s first start for the Impact to get on the scoresheet. Nigel Reo-Coker served a pass into the box and somehow was able to shrug off center back Eric Gehrig with a spin and calmly netted his first ever MLS goal with his right foot. It’s hard to describe, so just watch the goal here.
In the second half, Drogba got on the scoresheet again in the 61st minute. With his team trailing 3-2, Drogba received a ball from Captain Ignacio Piatti in the box. Didier was able to power the shot past Sean Johnson into the back of the net with his left foot.
Just five minutes later, Drogba scored again. This time Drogba volleyed a shot that was first saved by Johnson, but went straight up in the air. The power of the shot caused Johnson to be off balance and stumbled into the net. Drogba was able to rise up and head the shot into the back of the net.
That’s three goals, scored three different ways. Drogba, even at 37, still has the skill to succeed in Major League Soccer.
Drogba had this to say after the match; “I really wanted to score but, most importantly, I wanted to win the game. Since I’m here, we haven’t won a game, so it was something I really wanted to do.”
“We did it together today and I’m quite happy for the manager and I also want to thank Frank, who was here before,” Drogba continued. “This result was also for him.”
The Impact will play its next two games on the road, visiting the LA Galaxy on Saturday and the San Jose Earthquakes next Wednesday.
The MLS Player of the Week is selected each week of the regular season by a panel of journalists from NASR. The group consists of members of print, television, radio and media.