A vital 3-2 win for the Montreal Impact over the L.A. Galaxy Saturday proved to be a key performance from rookie Kyle Fisher.
With a thin back four, the first MLS game in the career of first-round draft choice Fisher was loaded with pressure. Fisher had to play a full 90 minutes against perhaps the league's best in the L.A. Galaxy.
“Oh, that was a lot of fun. The guys really supported me. Same with the coach and all the organization and that made the transition easier. Once the game got rolling, you were able to relax and enjoy the atmosphere,” said Fisher.
Head coach Mauro Biello seemed impressed.
“I thought Kyle, I thought he was excellent. He closed down sharp. He didn't get beat one on one. He was alert. He was tucked in. He did a good job,” he said.
Fisher impressed his teammates as well. Goalkeeper Evan Bush said he was a ‘beast’ and Didier Drogba said it was Fisher who was his inspiration to keep pushing.
“Fisher, for example, didn't even play one minute this season, and look at his game. And I looked at him and thought he was dying and he says, ‘No, I am good, I am good, so come on.’ This gave me a lot of strength and desire to push a bit more,” said the star striker.
Fisher received an amazing surprise for the big night: his mother travelled all the way from South Carolina on game day to see the proudest day of her son's life - watching him play with Drogba and make it on the field.
“I just know that he is honoured to be here,” said Tracie Fisher. “It's a dream come true for him, so I am just very proud of him.”
Fisher’s girlfriend Victoria Vidi also showed her pride.
“Iknew that he was going to do well. He has. But he had a lot of anxiety because he has never done this before. The coach believed in him, and he finally got his shot,” she said.
Fisher said the experience was awesome.
“From minute one to 93, it was nonstop, so they lifted us up. It helped out a lot tonight for sure,” he said.
