A NEW BUZZ
International star Drogba makes his Phoenix Rising debut, creating excitement for soccer’s future in the Valley
The moment had been building since April. Didier Drogba, a soccer legend who starred in the World Cup with Ivory Coast and with Chelsea in the English Premier League, trotted out onto the field to join his new Phoenix Rising FC teammates.
The anticipation and buzz that had been growing all evening in the hot sun finally reached a climax, and the packed stands at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex erupted.
Sure, the fans were excited about the 39-year-old international star, but Drogba is more than just a new player. He is a symbol for this franchise – a symbol of hope, excitement and significance in the soccer world. That sentiment was echoed by fans prior to the start of the match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2.
“The fact that a legend and a new manager are making their debut makes today special,” fan Vincent Castelamare said. “It is extremely exciting that the club has owners that have the passion for the sport as well as the business acumen to bring success and, hopefully, the MLS. The in-stadium experience has been first class.”
In the 40th minute, Drogba connected on a header into the right side of the net for his first career goal with Phoenix for a 1-0 lead. The crowd was electric.
Fans lined up more than two hours ahead of the scheduled start time, eager to fill the stadium.
“I’m excited because other people are excited,” fan Nick Tapia said.
Excitement is contagious, and it’s clear that it is spreading.
The signing of Drogba and the experience at games this season has left a positive impression on fans, who have seemingly bought in to the idea of soccer in Phoenix.
“I’m extremely excited about the future of soccer in Arizona with this new ownership group,” fan Michael Vanderplas said. “It’s a night-and-day difference between them and what we grew use to.”
The fan base is craving stability within ownership, and the belief is that they finally have that with Berke Bakay and the rest of the ownership group.
“After three ownership groups, three names, and four ‘home’ stadiums in the past four years, I’m hoping we’ve finally set a stake in the ground for professional soccer in Arizona,” fan Brian Johnson said. “This will be a milestone evening.”
“I’m extremely excited about the future of soccer in Arizona.”
Phoenix is one of 12 cities that submit a bid to join the MLS, and the addition of Drogba and reputation of the owners will make it hard for the league to say no.
“I want Phoenix to have an MLS team to enjoy and be proud of,” longtime fan Ken Knighton said. “Phoenix is the largest city in the U.S. without MLS. I have been following this franchise from the beginning in 2014 to watch the growth and progress and to be part of what will possibly be the fifth major-league team in Phoenix. Once this ownership group took control last August they have made amazing progress in reaching these goals.”
Before the game, Drogba said he doesn’t want fans to look at him like just another player on the team. He doesn’t have to worry about that because him simply being in Phoenix sends a stronger message to fans about the future of the sport in this city than any goal he will ever score here.
“I think the atmosphere will be electric,” fan Douglas Schuttenberg said. “I’m excited for Drogba’s debut. Every game this season has been enjoyable for me, win or lose. This ownership group has done everything one could expect to take the game to a new level in this town, and it’s working. Big names, new stadium and quality players. They are creating many new fans in my opinion.”