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By JOHN ARLIA
Cronkite News

SCOTTSDALE — When Didier Drogba arrived in the Valley as soccer’s first player-owner, he made a promise to Phoenix Rising FC and its fans.

“We are going to win a lot of games here,” Drogba told a sold-out crowd during his unveiling ceremony in April. “And together, Phoenix is going to be in the MLS.”

So far, so good.

Drogba inspired the Rising to a 2-1 home win over Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 on Saturday night in his long-awaited debut for the club. The 39-year-old striker scored the opening goal and added an assist on the eventual game-winner by Shaun Wright-Phillips, his former teammate at Chelsea FC of the English Premier League.

Continue reading “Soccer sensation Drogba delivers on promise in Phoenix Rising FC debut”