Photo by Facundo Arrizabalaga/Eurpean Pressphoto Agency
The Los Angeles Galaxy’s Steven Gerrard knows all about making a good first impression. The midfielder scored a goal for his new club in his Galaxy debut. But Montreal’s Didier Drogba did Gerrard one — make it two — better.
“A world class talent,” Gerrard said of Drogba, who scored a hat trick in his first MLS start. “A lot of people from the outside talk about age in this game, but for me, it’s only a number.”
The Galaxy faces Drogba’s Montreal Impact team Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at StubHub Center looking for a win after a bye week. Montreal (9-11-4) is clinging to the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, but Drogba’s addition has the team looking much more dangerous heading into the latter stages of the season.
“It’s pretty clear about his quality and what he brings to any team in this league,” Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena said of Drogba. “He’ll get our deepest respect on Saturday.
The Ivorian international became the first player in MLS history to record a hat trick in his first start. The 37-year-old is the all-time leading scorer for the Ivory Coast national team. The former Chelsea striker holds the Premier League club’s scoring record for any foreign player.
During the week, Liverpool legend Gerrard gave his teammates some tips on how to stop Drogba.
“You have to be careful and play Drogba very careful because he’s very clever,” Gerrard said. “His movement is good. He’s very strong. It’s very important to not get into a fight with him because there’s usually only one winner. You have to play him cute and be aggressive with him, but at the right time.”
In the standings:
Following a 1-0 loss to San Jose and a bye week, the Galaxy have dropped to second in the Western Conference. LA (13-8-7) is two points behind Vancouver and second in the Supporters’ Shield race.
Montreal is sixth in the Eastern Conference with 31 points (one fewer than the last team in the Western Conference Real Salt Lake).
Links:
- Preview of Saturday’s game focusing on Juninho‘s new life next to Gerrard in the midfield
- It’ll be a busy weekend for Giovani dos Santos, who will spend Sunday as the Grand Marshall of the East LA Mexican Independence Parade.
- LAGalaxy.com’s Adam Serrano has more on Drogba and what Galaxy captain Robbie Keane thinks will be the key for Saturday.
- Arrive early, it’s going to be a full house.
- MLSSoccer.com’s Scott French on Gyasi Zardes’ impressive campaign with the U.S. Men’s National Team and why Bruce Arena isn’t so excited just yet.
