MLS Review: Ibrahimovic extinguishes Schweinsteiger´s Fire

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored his third MLS goal as the former Manchester United striker led LA Galaxy to a 1-0 win over Bastian Schweinsteiger’s Chicago Fire.

Ibrahimovic has made an immediate impact in California following his arrival from Premier League giants United, scoring twice in his match-winning debut against neighbours Los Angeles FC March 31.

And the 36-year-old Swede continued his inspired form for the Galaxy Saturday, scoring the winner in the first half at a sold-out Toyota Park in Chicago.

After Ola Kamara had two goals ruled out for offside in the opening stages of the match, Ibrahimovic broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time when he headed Ashley Cole’s cross past Fire goalkeeper Richard Sanchez.

Cole  Zlatan  #CHIvLA

https://t.co/axleJ7tBJ6

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 14, 2018

“I think the game was difficult, it was not an easy game especially with the weather.” Ibrahimovic said. “I mean, we come with the sun, they come with the wind, but the sun was the stronger today, so we’re happy.”

It moved the Galaxy up to second in the Western Conference, while Schweinsteiger – another former United player – and his Fire have only won one of their opening five games to languish second from bottom in the Eastern Conference.

Was good to see you my friend @Ibra_official. All the best this season. pic.twitter.com/rhbevySnDR

— Basti Schweinsteiger (@BSchweinsteiger) April 15, 2018

The Fire are only a point better off than reigning MLS champions Toronto, who suffered a 2-0 defeat against Colorado Rapids.

Toronto reached the CONCACAF Champions League final during the week after upstaging seven-time winners America.

And head coach Greg Vanney prioritised Tuesday’s first leg against Guadalajara by resting the likes of stars Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore against the Rapids, who took full advantage thanks to goals from Jack Prince and Shkelzen Gashi.

FC Dallas remain undefeated in the league following their 1-0 win over New England Revolution, Portland Timbers claimed a wild 3-2 victory against Minnesota United, New York Red Bulls accounted for Montreal Impact 3-1, 10-man DC United trumped Columbus Crew 1-0, while San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo played out a 2-2 draw.