Schweinsteiger ‘sad’ after debut goal for Chicago

CHICAGO: Bastian Schweinsteiger launched his Major League Soccer career with a debut goal on Saturday but was left unsatisfied after Chicago Fire’s 2-2 draw with Montreal Impact.

The former Germany, Bayern Munich and Manchester United midfielder headed home from close range after 17 minutes to give Chicago a 1-0 lead over the Canadian club.

But Chicago were forced to settle for a point after Montreal hit back with two goals of their own before Fire grabbed an injurytime equaliser.

“It was a good feeling but I’m a little bit sad and not so happy that we couldn’t win the game,” Schweinsteiger told reporters after the game.

Schweinsteiger was denied a dream start to his MLS career when Matteo Mancosu equalised for Montreal in the 61st minute.

A stormy encounter then saw Chicago midfielder Juninho sent off in the 71st minute after picking up a second yellow card for unsporting behavior.

Both sides were reduced to 10 men however in the 80th minute when Montreal’s Victor Cabrera was given a straight red for bringing down Argentine forward Luis Solignac as he went through on goal.

Montreal looked to have grabbed a late winner when Ballou Jean-Yves Tabla lashed in a shot from outside the area to make it 2-1 in the 90th minute.

But Chicago grabbed a share of the points in the third minute of stoppage time when Solignac controlled with his chest on the edge of the area before sweeping home a low finish to make it 2-2.

The draw leaves Chicago in seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings, with five points from four games. AFP