After taking to the pitch at Stade Saputo back on June 27, 2012, one of the most prolific goal scorers in Italian soccer history made his debut for the Montreal Impact in MLS, and fans have been on their feet ever since.
Here is a top 10 list of Di Vaio moments with the bleu-blanc-noir:
10. The dedication – Following the recent passing of teammate Karl W. Ouimette’s sister Julie - after her 12-year battle with leukemia – Marco Di Vaio paid tribute to her and his teammate in the best way he could, scoring in Karl’s first match back and running to his grieving teammate on the bench in dedication to him and his family in what ended as a 2-2 tie with the LA Galaxy.
9. Revenge best served cold – In what was the most lopsided victory in MLS, the Impact trounced TFC 6-0 in the second game of the 2013 Canadian Championship semi-finals, ultimately qualifying for the finals and eventually lifting the Voyageurs Cup. Di Vaio scored two goals and added two assist versus Toronto, in just 52 minutes played.
8. First game – Impact fans celebrated Di Vaio’s debut, despite losing the game 3-0 to Toronto FC on June 27, 2012, at Stade Saputo.
7. In three Champions League games in 2014, Di Vaio almost singlehandedly lifted the team to its second ever quarter-final qualification. Di Vaio was part of every single one of his team’s five goals scored (four goals, one assist), leading the team to three straight wins and top of group 3 over C.D. FAS from El Salvador and the New York Red Bulls, last season’s MLS Supporters Shield winners.
6. World Cup winner with IMFC – The Impact was also able to court World Cup winning defender Alessandro Nesta, thanks in large part to Di Vaio, a lifelong friend of the former AC Milan star. Di Vaio’s mere presence was enough to bring Nesta across the pond. In addition, Di Vaio scored in Nesta’s final game, running to his childhood friend in dedication to his storied career. It was also the game in which the bleu-blanc-noir qualified for its first ever playoff appearance in MLS.
5. The Union became, once again, a victim of Di Vaio dominance when he scored his 20th goal of the season last year – a 2-1 win over Philadelphia on October 1 - becoming just the 11th player in league history to reach the plateau.
4. Il Bomber scored his first career hat trick versus Philly on May 25, 2013 in a 5-2 victory.
3. The fanfare upon his arrival at the Montreal-Trudeau airport.
2. His first ever goal in MLS on July 28 versus the New York Red Bulls at Stade Saputo.
1. The first ever Designated Player was officially signed by the club on May 24, 2012.
