The New York Red Bulls were away to the Chicago Fire this weekend in a match that was perhaps seen by many as a way for the team to redeem themselves after an underwhelming result against Orlando City FC two weekends ago.

With the return of the likes of Kaku, Aaron Long, Kemar Lawrence and Michael Murillo, the Red Bulls had a full strength defensive line and their star creative player back in the line-up. Despite this however, the result did not go in favor of last year’s winners of the Supporters Shield. Chicago pressed the out of form New York team and managed to pry all 3 points in their favor, courtesy of a Tim Parker own goal, making this the second 1-0 loss the Red Bulls have suffered in a row. Let’s take a look at some of the key takeaways from this game.  

Fire Beat Red Bulls 1-0

Despite reinforcements, defensive woes continue

Last week against Orlando City, it was easy to pin the blame of defensive errors on the fact that the back line was missing some of its essential pieces, namely Long and Lawrence. This week, however, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to say that the Red Bulls put on an even more tepid display, with the likes of Nemanja Nikolić and Przemysław Frankowski cutting through the defense with ease on a multitude of occasions. The first of these saw the two former Polish Ekstraklasa players link up beautifully, with Frankowski’s pass through the center of the box to Nikolić completely evading  Lawrence and Co. which left Nikolić one-on-one with Luis Robles, but the former Legia Warszawa frontman failed to convert his golden opportunity. 

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Nikolić would receive opportunity after opportunity to put Chicago in front, another quality chance coming in the 37th minute after a headed ball in midfield found its way to his feet. The former Hungarian international found himself between Long and Parker, but his shot was poked just wide of the near post. 

Fans would have to wait until the second half for the first and only breakthrough of the game, and curiously enough, despite the creativity shown by Chicago throughout the match, the only goal of the game result in scrappy play within New York’s penalty box. A ball sent in by Chicago’s Marcelo dos Santos Ferreira (Marcelo) found its way to Nikolić, whose effort bounced off of the post. The rebounding ball would then hit an onrushing Parker, who admittedly would have found it very difficult to clear. The deflection off of Parker sent the ball over the line and Chicago took the lead. 

While many will look at the own goal by Parker as one of the key moments in the game, it’s important to note here that this was only one of many instances where the Red Bulls defense failed to do their job. As mentioned earlier, both Frankowski and Nikolić had a plethora of opportunities on goal in this match, and all of it resulted from fairly simple play. Nikolić, for example, was able to send it low, driving balls to his teammates on a number of occasion in the exact same fashion, which was a very troubling thing to watch. To have the defense cut open on multiple occasions by the same move should be something head coach Chris Armas will surely be furious about and looking to remedy for the next game.

Having seen the lackluster performances of certain players in the defensive line, it makes me wonder whether or not it might not be a good idea to have Amro Tarek start at the back for the next game alongside Long. Tarek had a solid performance against Orlando City despite the loss, so it may be in Chris Armas’ interest to give the player another run out while in form. 

Muyl and Robles continue to perform, Schweinsteiger a center back?:

Despite the lackluster team performance, both Alex Muyl and Luis Robles continued to be bright spots for the Red Bulls as the New York side struggles to find its form. Muyl put in another workhorse-like performance that delineates his value to the team. Muyl showed his skills with a very intelligent dummy for Bradley Wright-Phillips in the 37th minute and provided a few good crosses that could have been more effective had the team been more on point in the match.  Muyl also linked well with Daniel Royer and Murillo on a couple occasions, which is worth noting. Robles on the other hand made sure that his leaky defense didn’t concede more than one goal in the match, stopping shots from Nikolić, Frankowski and a Bastian Schweinsteiger rocket in the 50th minute.

Perhaps the most interesting facet of this game for me, however, was watching Schweinsteiger play as a center back. The former Bayern Munich man and German international has always been well-known for his midfield prowess, spending most of his career as a dominant force at the center of the park for Bayern, but to see him play at the back so well showed once again how much class the man possesses, and despite my Schwarzgelben loyalties, it would be wrong to not credit the “Basti” for a very good performance.  

Looking Forward:

The New York Red Bulls will face Minnesota United at home this coming weekend. The fairly young MLS franchise has had a similarly rocky start to their season, having lost their last two games to the LA Galaxy and New England Revolution despite picking up six points in the first two match days. With the home advantage to their benefit, the Red Bulls should get back to winning ways in this game, and fans will surely be hoping to see improvements to the recent defensive frailties that are perhaps becoming a bit of a trend. 

FC Cincinnati continued stellar run in the 2017 U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday night with a 3-1 penalty shootout home victory over the Chicago Fire in a Round of 16 matchup.

FC Cincinnati Beat Red Bulls 3-1 On Penalties After 0-0 Tie in Round of 16

The shootout came after the teams were tied 0-0 after 120 minutes of play (regulation and overtime). Cincinnati, which defeated another MLS team (Columbus Crew) in the previous round, defeated the Fire before a roaring crowd of 32,287 at their own Nippert Stadium.

The hosts had a goal controversially disallowed due to offside late in the second half, and Cincinnati’s goalkeeper Mitch Hildebrandt made several key saves to deny the Fire’s German star Bastian Schweinsteiger and the rest of his teammates. Schweinsteiger transferred to Chicago from Manchester United — with whom he had played two seasons — in March on a one-year deal.

Hildebrandt was also spectacular in the shootout, as he stopped shots from MLS leading scorer and Serbian-born Hungarian forward Nemanja Nikolic as well as Arturo Alvarez and Juninho.

“We have an MLS-quality team, we have an MLS-quality stadium, we have MLS-quality fans,” Hildebrandt said following the victory. “Everyone here, the city deserves this.”

Cincinnati won the game after Hildebrandt dove to his left to block Juninho’s low penalty kick, the Fire’s fourth shot that came after missing two others.

Cincinnati will next face Miami FC in the quarter-finals on July 12. Miami — led by World Cup-winning Italian coach Alessandro Nesta — edged Atlanta United 3-2 on Wednesday thanks to a 93rd-minute goal from Kwadwo Poku. Atlanta are playing their first MLS season.

Meanwhile, the New York Red Bulls also won in a penalty shootout at home on Wednesday. The team defeated the Philadelphia Union 5-3 after tying 1-1 at the end of overtime. The victory served as revenge for the Red Bulls, who were eliminated by Philadelphia in the previous two US Open Cups — including a 2015 shootout at Red Bull Arena.

New York seemed to have secured a victory until the 86th minute, when the Union’s Dutch midfielder Roland Alberg equalized by firing a shot past Red Bulls goalie Ryan Meara after taking a long lob pass from Jack Elliott behind the back-line.

The Red Bulls scored shortly before halftime. In the 42nd minute, Philadelphia turned over the ball, Sacha Kljestan took an assist from Bradley Wright-Phillips and beat Union goalie John McCarthy. 

Brazilian midfielder Felipe, 26, scored the game-winning penalty kick for New York with a low shot to the right that McCarthy incorrectly guessed.

The Red Bulls will next face the New England Revolution — who beat DC United — in the quarterfinals on July 13. The other two quarterfinal will see the San Jose Earthquakes take on the LA Galaxy on July 10 and Sporting KC play FC Dallas on July 11.

HARRISON, NJ – APRIL 15: Luis Robles #31 of New York Red Bulls stops a shot in the second half against the D.C. United at Red Bull Arena on April 15, 2017 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

An AFP (Agence France-Presse) video journalist who asked a misguided question to newly-signed Chicago Fire forward Bastian Schweinsteiger at an introductory media conference on Wednesday has apologized for his awkward phrasing.

Journalist Apologizes For Asking Bastian Schweinsteiger Unclear Question On Chicago Fire, World Cup

The journalist, Derek Henkle, asked the 32-year-old Germany international and former Manchester United star — who signed with the Fire of MLS on March 21 — if a “World Cup goal for the Chicago Fire is a realistic expectation?”

Club teams do not compete in the World Cup, so many other journalists and players in the room were confused over the question.

Henkle later clarified in an email to The Telegraph that he intended to say “Club World Cup,” a tournament similar to the FIFA World Cup but for club teams rather than national teams. He also thanked Schweinsteiger for helping him by clarifying the question.

“I’m truly sorry if I offended anyone,” Henkle told The Telegraph. “I get that I named the wrong trophy and greatly appreciate Schweinsteiger attempting to clean up the question for me. It was a classy move,” he said.

Henkle added that despite how sorry he feels for this mistake, he also views it as a learning experience to become more familiar with the world of soccer and its terminology. He said he reports on other topics besides sports and so is not always knowledgeable about all the details of each subject.

“My question missed its mark, but it has allowed me to become better educated on the ins and outs of soccer,” Henkle said. “I report on everything ranging from presidential politics to science – and I’m the first to admit that I don’t know everything, but I do ask.”

Schweinsteiger was initially as confused about the question as almost everyone else, but after he understood what he was being asked, he simply laughed it off.

The German recently said his 1.5 years with Manchester United, who is led by manager Jose Mourinho, were a “test of character.” He was signed by the Premier League club in July 2015 by then-manager Louis van Gaal. When Mourinho took over last summer, however, he was left to practice either on his own or with the reserves, as the Portuguese manager considered him to have surplus requirements, according to MailOnline’s Jack Gaughan.

According to Rory Smith of The New York Times, Schweinsteiger said: “I’m not really a negative thinker. It was a character test, that’s all. … Even when I was training alone, just me and one of United’s fitness coaches, I loved going onto the field, doing sprints, being at the training ground.”

The German injured himself at the end of the 2015-2016 season.

During his 13-year senior Bayern Munich career, Schweinsteiger won several Bundesliga titles and German Cups and a UEFA Champions League, and was also a FIFA World Cup winner with Germany in 2014.

He received a warm welcome upon arriving in Chicago, according to DW Sports:

The Fire will surely benefit from a player who has won so many titles with top-tier teams.

MARSEILLE, FRANCE – JULY 07: Bastian Schweinsteiger of Germany controls the ball during the UEFA EURO semi final match between Germany and France at Stade Velodrome on July 7, 2016 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Bastian Schweinsteiger is headed to MLS.

Manchester United’s Bastian Schweinsteiger Signs With Chicago Fire

The Chicago Fire announced late Monday they have acquired the 32-year-old German midfielder from Manchester United.

Schweinsteiger signed a one-year designated player contract that guarantees him $4.5 million in 2017, according to a source close to the Fire. The deal makes him one of the 10 highest-paid players in MLS and includes a mutual option for at least one more year. The German star comes to Chicago as merely the second reigning FIFA World Cup champion to join MLS.

The Fire, led by coach Veljko Paunovic, have finished last in MLS standings in the past two seasons. Schweinsteiger could join the club by the middle of next week, depending on his P1 visa application and a physical.

“We’re adding someone who has won at every level, including the very highest levels, and has done so in a way that is consistent with our values,” Fire general manager Nelson Rodriguez said. “We as a club will now be forced to hold ourselves to a higher standard, an accountability level. Previously, I think we could satisfy ourselves with what is known domestically. Now we need to rise to a standard that is set more internationally.”

Schweinsteiger, who helped lead Germany to their 2014 World Cup title, held negotiations with the Fire last year but ultimately chose to stay with United beyond the end of the January window.

“I am sad to leave so many friends at Manchester United,” he said. “But I am grateful to the club for allowing me the chance to take up this challenge.”

He added: “I have enjoyed working with the manager, players and staff but I have to reserve special thanks to the fans. I will always remember their energy and their passion.”

The German added that he looks forward to playing with the Fire, and praised the club’s vision and philosophy.

“Throughout my career, I’ve always sought opportunities where I hoped to make a positive impact and to help make something great,” Schweinsteiger said in a statement via the club. “My move to Chicago Fire is no different. Through my conversations with Nelson and Pauno, I’m convinced by the club’s vision and philosophy and I want to help them with this project.”

Schweinsteiger has scored 24 goals in 121 career appearances for Germany’s national team, including a start in its victory over Argentina in the 2014 World Cup final. In his 13 seasons with Bayern Munich, he won one Champions League title (2013), and eight titles in Germany’s top division. He won Bundesliga player of the year honors in 2013.

“In the locker room, he will be a huge example of a champion,” Paunovic said. “He still is somebody that can show that on the field and (demonstrate) how our guys have to work, prepare, behave, think and work together in order to get to that level.”

When Schweinsteiger — who is married to retired tennis star Ana Ivanovic — and Paunovic were photographed in November at Piccolino restaurant on the outskirts of Manchester, the soccer world speculated Schweinsteiger was on his way out of the Premier League and headed to the United States.

Schweinsteiger signed with United under former manager Louis van Gaal in July 2015, and trained alone or with the club’s Under-23 squad after Jose Mourinho took over as boss last summer.

The German also shared the following video on Twitter early Wednesday, in which he thanked his fans, as well as his teammates and the staff from United:

Schweinsteiger could be available for selection as soon as Chicago’s home match on Saturday, April 1 against Montreal.

MARSEILLE, FRANCE – JULY 07: Bastian Schweinsteiger of Germany controls the ball during the UEFA EURO semi final match between Germany and France at Stade Velodrome on July 7, 2016 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

After two straight losses, the New York Red Bulls secured a 1-0 home victory over the Chicago Fire on Wednesday.

Red Bulls End Two-Game Losing Streak With 1-0 Win

The Red Bulls dropped to 3-7-1 after last week’s road loss against D.C. United. However, midfielder Mike Grella helped his team get back on track by scoring his fourth goal of the season. Grella fired a shot past Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson 13 minutes into the second half. Lloyd Sam provided the assist on the goal after receiving a back-heel pass from Bradley Wright-Phillips. New York dominated possession for most of the game.

The win moved the Red Bulls level on 13 points with United and the New England Revolution in the Eastern Conference as the Fire (1-5-4) stayed at the bottom of the table.

Meanwhile, Toronto FC fought back to tie 1-1 against Eastern Conference leader New York City FC at BMO Field in Toronto. Following a 2-1 victory over the Portland Timbers on Sunday, NYCFC rested its star players, including David Villa and Andrea Pirlo.

Even with those two as substitutes, the New York City FC was still able to take a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute thanks to a stunning goal from 24-year-old Ghanaian midfielder Kwadwo Poku from the edge of the penalty area.

Toronto answered three minutes before halftime with a goal from midfielder Will Johnson, who was on hand to side-foot the equalizer from close range.

The NYCFC leads the East by one point after a five-game winning streak, and is now 4-3-5. They will next face the Red Bulls at Yankee Stadium on Saturday. Toronto is now 4-4-3 and will next host Columbus Crew SC on Saturday.

PHOTO: HARRISON, NJ – NOVEMBER 29: Mike Grella #13 of New York Red Bulls controls the all in front of Harrison Afful #25 of Columbus Crew during their match at Red Bull Arena on November 29, 2015 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)