MONTREAL – The Impact’s Marco Donadel left his teammates speechless.
Not known for his offensive prowess, the defensive midfielder stunned Saputo Stadium with a thunderous strike from distance in the first half, helping Montreal to a 3-0 victory over visiting Columbus Crew SC in MLS action on Saturday.
“Unbelievable goal,” Impact goalkeeper Evan Bush told reporters after the game. “Most goals I get excited for, but you keep your emotions in check. … For me, as a goalkeeper, fantastic goal and fantastic strike. I was happy for him because he puts a lot of work in.
“From distance, a strike like that, it was world class.”
With the Impact already in front 1-0 in the eighth minute, Donadel's rocket of a shot from 30 yards out doubled the home side’s lead.
Following a corner kick taken short, Donadel rushed into open space. As soon as he got the ball, the 32-year-old turned and fired. Crew SC goalkeeper Steve Clark was duped by the late bend on the shot and took a step to his right before diving to his left in vain. Clark had no chance.
“Usually I take the corner kick, but I saw Jack [McInerney] and Calum [Mallace] take the kick,” said Donadel, whose goal was his first in MLS. “I had already thought about the pass, so I got in position.
“That’s the way I play, supporting other players. If I get some space to kick, I’ll try it. I have seven or eight goals in my career, and all of them have been from 30 meters out. It’s how I play.”
The highlight-reel strike sent the 15,304 fans at Saputo Stadium into a frenzy. On the sideline, head coach Frank Klopas couldn’t contain himself.
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“It was fantastic,” Klopas said. “The minute he got the ball and turned, I told the guys on the bench it’s a goal. Because he’s come close and he has a great shot with his right foot. He’s hitting his rhythm more and more.”
The goal padded Montreal’s lead and the home team never looked back. With the win, the Impact ended its three-game winless run and climbed one spot into eighth place in the Eastern Conference.
After his goal, Donadel ran the length of the pitch, hopped over the boards and embraced his daughter Beatrice. Since signing with the Impact last winter, Donadel has been in Montreal without his family.
“They arrived here 20 days ago,” said Donadel, explaining his celebration. “The family is here, so I immediately thought about them. Before the game, [Beatrice] said: ‘Please make a goal.’ But she asks me that at every game.”
