Didier Drogba scores to help Phoenix Rising win Western Conference

Chelsea legend Didier Drogba scores to help Phoenix Rising beat Orange County and win Western Conference

  • Didier Drogba scored as Phoenix Rising won the Western Conference
  • Forty-year-old helped his side to prevail over Orange County in 2-1 victory
  • Phoenix Rising will now take on Louisville City as they look to win the USL Cup
  • Chelsea legend Drogba is the first player-owner in the history of football 

Didier Drogba may be 40 years old, but the Chelsea legend’s clinical nature in front of goal remains intact. 

The former Ivory Coast international was among the scorers as Phoenix Rising beat Orange County 2-1 to win the Western Conference Championship. 

The victory for Drogba’s side means that they will now take on Eastern Conference Champions Louisville City on Thursday for the USL Cup.

Didier Drogba celebrates with team-mates after Phoenix Rising won the Western Conference

Didier Drogba celebrates with team-mates after Phoenix Rising won the Western Conference

The 40-year-old was on the scoresheet as his side managed to prevail past Orange County

The 40-year-old was on the scoresheet as his side managed to prevail past Orange County

Phoenix Rising opened the scoring after just two minutes against Orange County, with Chris Cortez finding the net following impressive work from Kevon Lambert. 

Drogba then made it 2-0 in the 73rd minute after he finished well following his initial effort being blocked.

There was a scare for Phoenix Rising as Orange County reduced the deficit through Koji Hashimoto. 

Drogba celebrates after his goal in the 73rd minute of the game, which proved to be decisive

Drogba celebrates after his goal in the 73rd minute of the game, which proved to be decisive

The striker, who joined Phoenix Rising in April 2017, is the first player-owner in football history

The striker, who joined Phoenix Rising in April 2017, is the first player-owner in football history

DROGBA’S HONOURS 

Chelsea – Premier League: 2004-05, 2005-06, 2009-10, 2014-15

Champions League: 2012

League Cup: 2005, 2007, 2015

Community Shield: 2005, 2009

Galatasaray – Super Lig: 2012-13

Turkish Cup: 2014

Turkish Super Cup: 2014

Phoenix Rising – Western Conference: 2018 

However, Drogba’s side held on to secure victory and send him through to what could be his last final, with his contract expiring at the end of this month.

Drogba joined Phoenix Rising in April 2017 and also became co-owner of the club, thus becoming the first player-owner in football history.

The striker is best known for his time at Chelsea, for whom he scored 164 goals in 381 games across two spells.

In addition, Drogba also had stints with Le Mans, Guingamp, Marseille, Shanghai Shenhua, Galatasaray and Montreal Impact.

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