Impact management said from the beginning of the season that they wanted their first ever Designated Player to be a game changer, but also to be the type of person that would fit into what they were trying to accomplish as a club in Major League Soccer, and so far, Marco Di Vaio has lived up to that billing.
GOAL: Cool under pressure vs Chicago
The former Bologna man got off to a slow start, taking eight games before he opened his account, but since then, he's scored five times in his last six games.
Over that stretch, Di Vaio has found the back of the net in four straight matches, a team record, which has him tied for the second longest consecutive game goal-scoring streak in MLS this season - one behind the San Jose Earthquakes’ forward Chris Wondolowski and TFC's Danny Koevermans.
“In Italy, I scored in five games in a row,” said the former Italian international. “I hope to do the same thing this time for my teammates and the supporters here, whom have all been great to me. I am very pleased with this experience so far.”
But, Di Vaio's contributions have been invaluable, both on and off the pitch.
“He’s been able to bring a savvy around the goal both in training and in games that has made us better,” said Impact head coach Jesse Marsch. “The little conversations he has with guys like Felipe and Andrew (Wenger) and other young attacking players have helped them have clearer thoughts when presented with scoring opportunities. He’s been a consistent guy within the group. He is constant and brings a steadiness with his experience and the way he talks and acts with the group.”
One of those consistencies he brings is as a threat around the net, as demonstrated by his goal against the Chicago Fire last Saturday, scoring from just outside the box - in spite of the three defenders within the vicinity of the ball.
“Everybody knows he’s a good player. The movement, it’s… unbelievable,” said Brazilian midfielder Felipe, who has demonstrated some chemistry playing behind Di Vaio in the number 10 spot. “When you have someone like that, it’s easier for you, because he makes a move and you just need to put the ball there.”
Di Vaio will look to continue pleasing supporters this weekend as part of a winning effort that hopefully not only continues his goal scoring record, but with any luck, starts another consecutive streak to end the season… four wins in a row.
