MONTREAL - The soaring ovation when Didier Drogba ran onto the pitch in a Montreal Impact shirt for the first time was followed by a groan when the Philadelphia Union snatched the game away.

Drogba's much anticipated debut was spoiled when Sebastien Le Toux scored in the 78th minute to lift Philadelphia to a 1-0 MLS victory on Saturday night.

"It was a great atmosphere," said Montreal goalie Evan Bush. "Unfortunately, we couldn't give it back to the fans."

Saputo Stadium had its first sellout of 20,801 in nearly two years for Drogba. The former Chelsea and Ivory Coast star signed an 18-month contract on July 31 but needed time to get into shape to play his first game.

The big striker went on to a standing ovation in the 59th minute but was unable to provide the spark for Montreal (8-10-4), which dominated possession and had several chances but couldn't find the net.

On his only real chance, Drogba took a free kick from outside the penalty area in the 90th minute, but just missed the right post. Otherwise, teammates couldn't get the ball to the closely marked target in scoring positions.

"It's disappointing," said Impact coach Frank Klopas. "He brought a presence. It lifted the team.

"But we've got to find a way to use him. We need to get him the ball quicker. It'll take some time."

After the game, Drogba went for physiotherapy and, when he finally got to the dressing room, was surprised to see it crowded with media, something that almost never happens in European soccer. He went to sit in a corner with teammate Wandrille Lefevre until they all left, without a quote from the star of the night.

The Union (7-13-6), who ended a five-game winless run, found the mark when C.J. Sapong lofted a pass to Eric Ayuk, whose shot was redirected in front by Le Toux for his sixth goal of the season. It was the Union's first win in six visits to Montreal.

It was also the second consecutive 1-0 defeat at home for Montreal, which lost by that score to D.C. United on Aug. 8. It was the third home game in a row without a win for the Impact, who dominated possession and scoring chances in each game only to be foiled by a punchless attack.

"Teams sit in against us," said Bush. "They've developed a blueprint where they're comfortable with keeping the game in front of them and hitting us on the counter."

Signing Drogba was aimed at overcoming that obstacle.

The crowd chanted for the 37-year-old during an uneventful first half in which the best chance went early to Dominic Oduro, only to see his shot go wide. A Johan Venegas header in the 28th also missed the target.

There was also a hearty ovation for Impact midfielder Justin Mapp, whose entry in the 69th minute marked his 300th MLS game. He is the youngest ever to reach that milestone at 30 years 10 months four days.

"It's exciting to see a guy like Drogba come onto the field and hear the roar," said Bush. "Not to leave Justin Mapp's 300th game out.

"That's just as important. It was a great night for a number of things and a bad night for one thing."

Montreal's top midfielder Ignacio Piatti and captain Patrice Bernier sat out with injuries, midfielder Eric Alexander was sick.

The Impact travel to Vancouver on Wednesday for the second leg of the Amway Canadian Champion final. Klopas said Drogba wants to see action in that game, although he won't start. The teams tied 2-2 in the first leg.