Browne subbed on, scores game-winner in first MLS appearance
Things are going well for the Impact as of late, and that’s because everyone in the team has been pulling their own weight. That was particularly highlighted in the team’s 1-0 win over the Chicago Fire, Sunday afternoon at Stade Saputo.
In what became a battle between the Impact and the Chicagoans for most of 90 minutes, it was newcomer and substitute Omar Browne who made the difference, squeezing in his first MLS goal on his debut to give his team the lead.
Ladies and gentlemen, that’s how you make an entrance.
“You can’t have a better debut than that,” said centre back Zakaria Diallo. “He came in and brought a lot. We had trouble finding the goal and he came in and made it happen. I hope he’ll score more like this one.”
His technical ability, often referenced when he first joined the Montreal club, was evident in yesterday’s go-ahead goal. The Panamanian, kissing the goal line to goalkeeper David Ousted’s left, managed to dribble past his defender in the limited space available, giving him a clear run on goal. With a little luck and a lot of speed, the ball ended up in the back of the net.
The play showcased everything head coach Rémi Garde noticed when he first started following the player with his entourage.
“That’s what we noticed when we first saw his games: a very fast player, with an incredible acceleration, who can quickly turn between the lines,” said Impact head coach Rémi Garde. “He’s a young player, but I think he has the talent to be decisive in this league, not only on the scoresheet, but for an entire 90 minutes. I’m very happy with the way he started.”
Browne will make an interesting addition to the pool of wingers available to head coach Rémi Garde, offering a somewhat different profile than what’s already available.
“He brings a different dimension to the team and I think it’ll do us good,” said midfielder Samuel Piette. “He’s more the type of player who makes himself available lower on the pitch. We saw he was talented, offensive, and left-footed, a kind of player we don’t have too much on the team.”
The Impact will play a second consecutive game at home on Saturday, May 4, at 5pm against New York City FC (TICKETS – TVA Sports, 98.5, TSN 690) to kick off another busy week.
