Jamaican striker experiencing breakout season
It was a certain Cory Burke who got the game-winning goal at Stade Saputo a few months ago, when the Philadelphia Union came to Montreal and managed a 2-0 win.
That was the Jamaican striker’s first MLS start, and consequently his first MLS goal. A few months later, Burke now has eight goals on the season, including three in his last four MLS games.
“He’s a guy who’s really risen to the occasion in the past few months,” said goalkeeper Evan Bush. “He’s provided a spark for them and it’s allowed them to move Sapong into different positions. It’s opened the game a little more for Ilsinho and Picault as well.”
With the striker having started the last six games after coming on as a sub in the first part of the season, it’s clear that Philly head coach Jim Curtin is opting to use the Jamaican international up top, with players like C.J. Sapong and Fabrice-Jean Picault in support, usually on the wings.
“They have speed up front, and Burke, who’s had a breakout season,” said Impact head coach Rémi Garde. “We actually helped him breakout during the first game at Stade Saputo. He’s a good player. He’s confident with his international play as well. They have players that can make a difference, that’s for sure.”
Burke brought his elevated level of play to his national team as well, scoring twice on the weekend in Jamaica’s 4-0 win against the Cayman Islands. In the nine games he’s started with the Union this year, the team has a record of eight wins and one loss. If the Impact hopes to bring points back from Pennsylvania this Saturday, a close eye will definitely have to be kept on Burke.
