MONTREAL ā There was a āChristmas in Julyā celebration at Stade Saputo on Saturday, and Santa, with a little help from Didier Drogba, delivered plenty of gifts to the Montreal Impact fans.
Drogba netted the second MLS hat-trick of his career and his first multi-goal game of the season to lead the way in Montrealās dominant 5-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union.
āItās been a long time since we dominated the ball like that,ā Drogba said. āI didn't have to go to the [defensive] side of the field ā today I was only focused on scoring.ā
Drogba was helped by Ignacio Piatti, who assisted on two goals and scored one of his own for his 12th goal of the season ā one behind New York City FCās David Villa for the Golden Boot lead.
The duo was reunited after Drogba returned from a thigh injury and Piatti from a one-game suspension.
āNacho has been dangerous all year,ā head coach Mauro Biello said of Piatti. āNow that heās playing with Didier, who draws attention from defenders and finds space, Piatti is even more dangerous.ā
The Impact bounced back from a loss at home last week at the hands of NYCFC. For captain Patrice Bernier, that made Saturday's win something of a statement game.
"We needed a game thatās a reference point,ā Bernier said. āThis is a game that has put a standard for us that we have to match.ā
A goal in the 72nd minute by Chris Pontius put somewhat of a damper on the celebration as the Impact are still seeking their first clean sheet since April 9.
But the Impact were pleased that Donny Toia returned from a hamstring injury to help bolster a backline thatās still suffering the loss of Laurent Ciman, whoās been out of the lineup following his appearance with Belgium at the Euro tournament and subsequent ankle injury.
And, of course, the dynamic duo of Drogba and Piatti ā who goalkeeper Evan Bush said āis no doubt one of the top five players in the leagueā ā gave the team a lot of confidence heading into the All-Star break.
āItās impressive to watch them together,ā Bush said. āItās something pretty special and I think the fans loved seeing the hat-trick.ā