New jersey, same result for Omar Browne: making an MLS defense look silly. This was one for the highlight reels, too.
Browne provided the Montreal Impact with a game-winner in the 83rd minute of Sunday’s 1-0 win over the Chicago Fire, making no mistake with a mazing dribble along the endline, then barreling home a left-footed finish. The Panamanian winger previously entered the match in the 40th minute for his MLS debut, subbing on for an injured Clement Bayiha.
“The truth is that I’m very happy about scoring. I’m really happy," Browne said in Spanish after the match. "My family is happy. I just spoke to them. They are happy that I’m doing things right. It’s my first goal in MLS. I’m going o keep working to score more goals and help the team.”
But Browne, on loan from Independiente of his home country, is no stranger to making MLS defenders swipe at air. With CAI, he played a major role in bouncing Toronto FC from the 2019 Concacaf Champions League, impressing the Red’s archrivals enough to earn a deal.
Browne could have entered MLS back in 2014, as he went on trial with the Seattle Sounders. No contract was offered, though, and he slowly made a name for himself in Panama’s top flight. Along the way, Browne also earned four caps for Los Canaleros, earning appearances against the US men's national team, Brazil, Ecuador and Trinidad and Tobago.
With Ignacio Piatti still out with a knee injury, perhaps Browne can offer the Impact a further attacking spark. In the meantime, his goal pushed Montreal to 17 points and second place in the Eastern Conference standings.
