MLS Canadian Roundup: Superstars
Well, where to start? Impact’s Didier Drogba and Toronto FC’s Sebastian Giovinco had world-class games on Saturday. Canadian rookie and Orlando City SC forward Cyle Larin also broke the rookie MLS scoring record this week.
However, it wasn’t all peaches for Canada in MLS in Week 30, the Vancouver Whitecaps slipped out of first place after they lost to New York City FC on Saturday.
But let’s start with the goods.
Montreal Impact 2-0 D.C. United
One word sums up this game: Drogba. Impact forward Didier Drogba has revitalised a club that was withering only weeks ago. Drogba tallied two more goals on Saturday in Montreal to give him seven goals in six MLS games.
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However, Drogba didn’t score an ordinary brace. His was more on the side of brilliance with two incredible finishes.
Four minutes into the contest, Drogba scored a rocket free kick, curling the ball over the wall of D.C. United players and into the back of the net with precision and authority.
In the 11th minute, Drogba would strike again. This time, faking out D.C. United defender Steve Birnbaum before chipping the ball over D.C. goalkeeper Bill Hamid to make it 2-0.
Drogba could have had three goals if it wasn’t for a magnificent stop by Bill Hamid later in the match
Nevertheless, things are going well for Montreal. Impact goalkeeper Evan Bush made three saves for another clean sheet and the club is now on a six-game unbeaten streak.
The Montreal Impact hit the road to take on Orlando City SC on Saturday at the Citrus Bowl in a crucial game. Montreal sits in sixth with Orlando hot on its heels for that final playoff spot.
Toronto FC 3-2 Chicago Fire
Toronto FC played Chicago Fire to an exciting 3-2 victory at BMO Field on Saturday as Toronto FC superstar Sebastian Giovinco once again led the Reds to victory.
However, former Toronto FC forward Gilberto and his Chicago Fire did not go down without a fight.
Gilberto scored twice for the Fire, but it wasn’t enough to match Toronto’s explosive offence, which included a spectacular curled strike by Giovinco from a very tough angle.
Toronto midfielder and Canadian Jonathan Osorio looked to get a head on it, but the goal was awarded to Giovinco in the end.
Giovinco picked up another assist on a beautiful effort by midfielder Michael Bradley. Forward Jozy Altidore also scored for Toronto in the victory.
With the goal and assist, Giovinco surpassed San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski’s 2012 single-season MLS record for combined goals and assists. Giovinco now has 20 goals and 15 assists to give him 35 total on the season.
Giovinco also became the first player in MLS history to reach over 20 goals and 10 assists in a single MLS campaign.
Toronto FC currently sits fifth in the Eastern Conference and will host the Philadelphia Union next Saturday.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC 1-2 New York City FC
Frank Lampard scored and David Villa also converted a penalty kick as New York City FC handed the Vancouver Whitecaps their second MLS regular season loss in a row on Saturday at BC Place.
Lampard opened the scoring in the 29th minute. The Chelsea legend finished off a play started by Italian magician Andrea Pirlo to give New York City the lead.
Whitecaps captain Pedro Morales scored a penalty kick goal in the 88th minute to level to scoring late in the game after Whitecaps defender Kendall Waston was taken down in the box by New York City defender Angelino.
However, a controversial call was made against Vancouver in the fifth minute of stoppage time, as Lampard went down at the top of the Caps’ box after a challenge by Whitecaps midfielder Matias Laba.
David Villa would strike the ball into the left corner on the subsequent penalty kick to give New York City the victory and help the club keep its playoff hopes alive.
The Whitecaps now sit second in the Western Conference and will visit the San Jose Earthquakes next Saturday.
Canadian Player Spotlight: Cyle Larin
Canadian rookie and Orlando City SC forward Cyle Larin finally broke the MLS rookie scoring record on Friday after scoring three goals in Orlando City’s dominant 5-2 victory over the New York Red Bulls.
The Brampton, Ont. native scored in the 24th, 43rd and 61st minutes of the match.
Larin is now up to 14 goals on the season and is in sole possession of the MLS record after topping Damani Ralph’s record from 2003.
With three games remaining, Larin still has time to add to his record.
Orlando City SC will play the Montreal Impact on Saturday.