BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. – Kennedy Igboananike has had to show patience and perseverance as he slowly adjusts to the pace and physicality of life in MLS. But the Chicago Fire striker finally announced his arrival in the US with a man-of-the-match performance in Saturday’s 3-0 win over the Montreal Impact at Toyota Park.
The Nigerian laid on the Fire’s opening goal with an astute pass for Harry Shipp to hammer home in the 13th minute, before opening his own account with a composed finish under the advancing Evan Bush to complete the home side’s scoring in the 72nd minute.
That was just reward for an energetic display full of running, hustling and penetration behind the Impact defense. On his fifth start in 11 games, the 26-year-old combined well with fellow frontrunners Shipp and David Accam, and there was little surprise to see two of the three on the scoresheet.
“I think it is something that I feel, and I think I’m becoming used to the system and trying to get better every training, every game,” Igboananike told reporters when asked if was beginning to settle in to the Fire way of things.
A relatively unproductive opening few games following his arrival from Swedish side AIK Stockholm saw Igboananike relegated to the bench this spring. But with his fellow strikers also struggling for form and goals, he returned to the starting lineup against New York City FC on May 15.
He impressed with his industry and endeavor in the 2-2 draw, and last week’s 2-2 tie in Columbus. And despite Saturday’s display, he insists there’s more ahead.
“I haven’t played my best game yet. My best is yet to come,” he said. “I’ve just started to get used to the players, getting used to everything around me, so I think I’m getting better and better every day. At least now I’ve broken the yoke, so more is going to come.”
Head coach Frank Yallop admitted Igboananike has found it more difficult to get to grips with life in Chicago and MLS, but was delighted with his showing against the Impact.
“It’s always difficult for anybody to come and settle in any environment, and he’s probably the last of the three DPs, if you want to name them, to settle and start to feel comfortable,” Yallop told reporters in his post-match press conference.
“I thought he played well in Columbus and played well tonight – I thought he could have had three. He had a couple of breaks where he didn’t quite lift it over the ’keeper, and the ’keeper made good saves. But it’s nice to see him score. He feels good about himself and I like his threat in behind. He makes some good runs, he kept the back four honest and I think he had a good game tonight.”
