Impact’s Drogba set to play on artificial turf in conference final against TFC

Montreal Impact star Didier Drogba said Friday he’s ready to play in the MLS Eastern Conference final even if the first leg of the two-game series against Toronto FC will be played on artificial turf.

The 38-year-old normally sits out games on synthetic surfaces, but with the Impact only one step away from the MLS Cup final, he’s more than willing to play.

The Impact play host to Toronto on Tuesday night before a crowd approaching 60,000 at Olympic Stadium. The second leg is on grass at BMO Field Nov. 30 in Toronto.

“It’s true that it’s not easy on this field, but it’s such an important match, at the end of the season, that we have to give everything,” said Drogba, who has changed his cleats to help his knees hold up on the hard surface.

He is not likely to play a full 90 minutes. In recent weeks, Matteo Mancosu has started at striker, with Drogba going in as a late substitute.

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The former Chelsea star certainly wants to add an MLS Cup to his collection of trophies. The winner of the conference final will face either Colorado or Seattle for the MLS Cup on Dec. 10.

“I’ve been focused on that trophy for months, since I saw it on a trip to New York,” he said. “Now we’re in the conference final and I hope the guys don’t look at this as the end.

“We’ve done something exceptional for the city, but we’re still hungry.”

The Canadian Press