In a top-of-the-table Eastern Conference showdown, the Montreal Impact and Philadelphia Union battled to a 1-1 draw Saturday at Stade Saputo.
Didier Drogba scored in the third minute for the Impact (4-3-4), who remain one point ahead of Philly after drawing for the fourth time in four matches. It was Drogba's fourth goal of the season and third in as many games.
C.J. Sapong countered with his fifth goal of the season in the 24th minute for the Union (4-3-3), who have picked up draws in each of their last three games and are unbeaten in four.
Box Score
- 3' – MTL – Didier Drogba
- 24' – PHI – C.J. Sapong (Sebastien Le Toux, Chris Pontius)
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Three Things
1. DROGBA STAYS HOT: Before the game, Union head coach Jim Curtin insisted that Drogba must be accounted for at all times in the box. But a missed assignment and poor clearance just three minutes in led to a wide-open Drogba, who blasted a shot into the back of the net. It’s no surprise that Drogba punished an opposing team for a mistake. But it wasn’t all good things for the Ivory Coast native, who came out of the game grimacing in the 70th minute with an apparent injury. Impact fans will be hoping it’s nothing serious.
2. PHILLY DEFENSE STAYS CALM: Early on, it looked like it could have been a brutal night for the Union’s young backline as Ignacio Piatti followed Drogba’s goal with a couple of pretty moves and near-goals in the first 10 minutes. But rookies Keegan Rosenberry and Joshua Yaro settled down after the rocky start and third-year goalkeeper Andre Blake came up with some huge saves to help Philly escape Canada with a big point.
3. TEAM GOAL FOR UNION: C.J. Sapong continued to show a knack for being in the right place at the right time for Philly, moving within two goals of the Golden Boot lead. But Philly’s lone goal of the match was, more than anything, a great team effort as Sebastien Le Toux expertly and calmly one-timed a cross from Chris Pontius right into Sapong’s path. The finish itself was a simple one for Sapong, who's developing a nice partnership with wingers – and seasoned MLSers – Le Toux and Pontius this year.
They Said It
"He makes a coach sleep well at night."
—Philadelphia Union head coach Jim Curtin, on goalie Andre Blake
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