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Didier Drogba bags hat trick in Impact's 4-3 win over Fire (Video)

Israel Fehr

Too old? Too slow? Don't tell that to Didier Drogba.

Making his first start for the Montreal Impact against the Chicago Fire on Saturday night at Stade Saputo, Drogba gave the home crowd a whole lot to cheer about.

Drogba scored his first MLS goal in the 27th minute, beautifully taking a cross from Nigel Reo-Coker with his back to the net, turning and slotting it in with his right foot from about six yards out to give Montreal an early 1-0 lead.

He was just getting started.

The Fire led 3-2 with 30 minutes left in the second half. That lead wouldn't last. Not on Drogba's watch.

In the 61st minute he scored his second to tie the game 3-3. This time, Drogba used his left foot to do the damage.

He still wasn't done.

Drogba completed the hat trick less than five minutes later with a header from in close off his own rebound, and the Impact held on for a 4-3 win.

What a way to kick off his career in Montreal. Drogba had made his debut for the club on Aug. 22 as a second half substitute in a 1-0 loss to Philadelphia.

The win lifts the Impact back into the sixth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and ended a three-game losing skid. Saturday was also the first game in charge for interim head coach Mauro Biello, who took over for Frank Klopas after Klopas was fired following last week's 2-1 loss to Toronto FC.

Biello knows who to thank for making his debut on the sidelines a successful one.

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Israel Fehr is a writer for Yahoo Canada Sports. Email him at israelfehr@yahoo.ca or follow him on Twitter.