Didier Drogba could not score for the third game in a row, but Impact Montreal was still able to pull off a good 2-1 win over Columbus Crew and take the lead in the MLS Eastern Conference semi-final. With 90 minutes to still to play, anything can happen but it was important for Montreal to take the lead and they did.
While the game ended well for the home team, it did not start that way. The Crew got the early lead with a goal from Federico Higuain (Gonzalo's brother) in the 33rd minute of play. A play that started with a set piece and that nearly ended when the defense tried to clear the ball, it landed in Higuain's feet and he crossed his shot for his second post-season goal in his MLS career.
That lead did not last long for Columbus as Montreal was able to tie the game just four minutes later. A header by Patrice Bernier found the back of the net and it could not come at a better time. Keeping the 1-1 until halftime was key for Montreal's team to regroup and gain control of the game in the second half.
The home team dominated during the second half, they were trying to find a gap to lead the
WATCH: The goal that gave Montreal the lead
Impact sub. Venegas* needs just four minutes to give @impactmontreal the 2-1 lead. #MTLvCLB #MLSCupPlayoffs https://t.co/2Iqmm8ySNb
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 2, 2015
The over 17,000 fans at Saputo Stadium wanted even more from their team. They obviously wanted Drogba to
WATCH: Is this really a handball?
Drogba goal waived off for a handball. #MLSCupPlayoffs #MTLvCLB pic.twitter.com/rzbd5l7Zor
— Ben Jata (@Ben_Jata) November 2, 2015
It is considered to be Drogba's worst performance since he arrived in Montreal. He did however got himself into some trouble by being shown a yellow card in the closing stages of the game. During the game, "Tito" had three shots but only two went on target.
Montreal Impact celebrated their advantage
VICTOIREEEEE!!!! WIIIIIIIIIIIIN!!!!!!!! #IMFC 2-1 Columbus #touspourlacoupe
— Impact de Montréal (@impactmontreal) November 2, 2015