The 40-year-old broke the deadlock for United Soccer League side Phoenix Rising as they beat Portland Timbers 2 3-0 in their Western Conference quarter-final clash.
A big-game player, the Ivory Coast striker needed just 28 minutes to get on the score sheet in his club’s first-ever play-off tie.
And it was from a trademark set piece that the Champions League winner scored from, with his thunderous strike too hot to handle for goalkeeper Austin Pack.
A trademark celebration immediately followed – running over towards the corner flag before sliding on his knees and being mobbed by his jubilant team-mates.
There was a record 7,511 fans in attendance at the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex – the largest crowd in the franchise’s history.
Speaking after the game, shot-stopper Carl Woszczynski said: “That’s the loudest I’ve heard this stadium. Ever. It was a great result. We’ll see what happens with the other game and move on to next week, back to work.”
Jason Johnson doubled the scoreline midway through the second half, before Solomon Asante sealed the victory late on.
Drogba, a part-owner of Phoenix, has netted five goals in nine games this season in what is expected to be his last campaign as a professional player.
And he will be looking to shine once for the Arizona outfit against either Sacromento Republic or Swope Park Rangers next time out.
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