There's something about Colombian forward Stiven Mendoza that propels him to work harder every match to reach for the fruit that is waiting for him. The Chennaiyin FC forward became the topscorer in the Indian Super League once again this season, with nine goals, after a brilliant display against Kerala Blasters at the Marina Arena on Saturday.
Mendoza, 23, got his seventh, eighth, and the ninth goal of the tournament in the highest fashion, after he brewed up another magical hat-trick as the home side decimated the away side after recording a 4-1 win.
First goal
His world-class shot on goal in the 16th minute of the game saw the ball blast the top corner of the net. It was hard to distinguish whether it was Lionel Messi slotting in that goal, or the Corinthians man.
Nevertheless, it is for sure that South American footballers have the habit of pulling the trigger after getting clean through inside the box and making a 360-degree turn to launch a curler.
A long ball from Indian defender Dhanachandra Singh, who scored the first goal of the game, saw Mendoza using his lightning pace to get clean through and launch a stunner of a shot on goal. Kerala Blasters custodian Stephen Bywater was out of his line, and could not make the save at all.
Catch Stiven Mendoza's seventh goal of the ISL 2015 HERE.
Second goal
Two back-to-back goals within a span of two minutes in the second half saw the Colombian score three times in the night.
In the 80th minute, Thoi Singh played a brilliant role in helping Mendoza get his brace of the night. The Indian winger got clean through inside the box, and he passed the ball on to the Colombian, to complete the proceedings. As usual, he pulled the trigger. The powerful ball got a slight deflection from Bruno Perone to get into the net.
Third goal
Harmanjot Khabra took a clever freee-kick in the 82nd minute after seeing Mendoza was played onside by the Kerala Blasters defence. The chipped ball from the Indian utility player reached an accelerating Mendoza, and the Colombian forward was in the perfect place to hammer the ball inside the net. Bywater could only remain a spectator.
The hat-trick was complete.
