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SOCCER: DROGBA LEADS CHELSEA TO A WIN IN AMERICAN TOUR July 18, 2007
(SomaliNet) As Chelsea picked up the second win of their tour of America, Didier Drogba was on target.
The Premier League's top scorer last season netted the only goal of the game from close range as the Suwon Bluewings provided the Blues with a stiff test in California.
Anews source said the Ivory Coast hitman latched onto a cross from Shaun Wright-Phillips 10 minutes from time to kill off the dogged Korean side.
And the result left Jose Mourinho in no doubt that his players are shaping up well ahead of the new season.
Mourinho said: "The positive thing for me is that we are using the ball much better.
"The Bluewings gave us what we needed. They are fast, they are strong, they are a good dynamic team and want to play football.
"They are not aggressive, they play fair football.
It was good for us and I think it was also a good experience for them."
With David Beckham's LA Galaxy next up for the Blues on Saturday, Mourinho admits the time is right for his players to stake a claim for a regular starting place.
He added: "Now is the moment where I start making decisions and the players help me make decisions in relation to the way they perform.
"I'm always a person that tries to be honest with my players.
"I try to play in my team the players that do more in return for that honesty. I have to make decisions for the Galaxy game as I will play a team for 60 minutes."
Skipper John Terry was partnered by Glen Johnson in central defence as Mourinho returned to his tried and trusted 4-4-2 formation.
New arrival Steve Sidwell also featured before Chelsea switched to 4-3-3 in the second half as the Portuguese coach again showed his intention to use a more attacking style.
Michael Essien hit the crossbar in the first half but the FA Cup holders did not really come to life until the second period.
With 49 minutes on the clock, substitute Florent Malouda found Drogba in space on the wing.
The striker's angled drive was well saved by Kim Dae Hwan before Shaun Wright-Phillips saw his follow-up deflected for a corner.
Chelsea maintained the pace and Malouda was next to test the Suwon keeper.
Drogba looked sharp in front of goal but was denied by the post when he found a way past Dae Hwan.
The Korean side finally displayed an attacking edge with Brazilian striker Eduardo blasting over from the edge of the area.
And with the clock running down, Wright-Phillips created the perfect opening for Drogba to rifle home at the back post. –The Sun