Orlando City has two crucial tasks to accomplish during their match against the Montreal Impact this coming Saturday. The first is to score enough goals to leave the match with a victory. The second is unquestionably more difficult - stopping Impact forward and Ivorian legend, Didier Drogba.
Montreal signed Drogba this past July, and the striker has been on a hot streak since his arrival. The long-time Chelsea forward has scored seven goals in his first six games, including a hat trick and two 2-goal performances. Some stars have difficulties transitioning to play in MLS, but this has not been the case for Drogba. He has shown that his pure tactical ability and knowledge of the game is enough to circumvent any normal challenges a player would face.
“He has been an iconic player for the past twenty years,” expressed Head Coach Adrian Heath. “He takes great positions in the box. When the ball goes wide, he will be in the right spot at the right time.”
Tickets: Orlando City SC vs. Montreal Impact
It will be up to Orlando City’s two central backs to stop Drogba’s abilities inside the box. “When the ball goes wide you cannot watch the ball,” explained Heath. “The minute that you watch the ball, he will be off your back shoulder, in between you [and the ball]…Didier Drogba is one of the best players you will see attacking the ball in the box when the ball goes wide.”
Stopping a talent like Drogba will be a worthy challenge for the Lions defense. However, as of recently the Orlando City back line has been able to shut down great attacking players such as Dom Dwyer, David Accam, and Bradley-Wright Phillips. The Lions are hopeful that they can replicate their past performances by stopping Drogba as well.
