A day after Manchester United Manager Jose Mourinho apologized for his treatment of Bastian Schweinsteiger, and expressed regret for how he handled the situation with the player, the German began the next phase of his career.
Schweinsteiger did not waste any time making his impression felt in his new home, making the starting XI, playing all ninety minutes and scoring in the 17.
Schweinsteiger’s brace came on a short corner. Chicago Fire teammate Juninho passed to David Accam from the sideline, who then delivered a cross to Schweinsteiger in front of goal.
The former Bayern Munich and Manchester United man timed a header which was too much for Montreal Impact goalkeeper Evan Bush to stop and he had achieved his first career MLS goal less than 20 minutes into his first game.
“I think it was great. A debut with a goal is always something that we all dream of,” said Veljko Paunovic, Chicago Fire Head Coach of Schweinsteiger’s debut.
“You know, starting and opening the game how we did with his goal, I think it was an important thing for our team.”
Unfortunately, the Impact would equalize, and then take a late lead in the second half. The Fire eventually salvaged a point though by scoring in stoppage time and obtaining a point in the 2-2 draw.
“It was a great feeling. Perfect cross from David and the header,” Man of the Match Bastian Schweinsteiger said about his goal.
“It was a good feeling at first, but I’m a little bit sad and not so happy that we couldn’t win the game.”
He was fine with playing all ninety minutes right off the bat too.
“I feel alright. 90 minutes was okay, at some moments I was a little bit tired, but I stepped up and wanted to push for the draw and for victory. At the end, we have to leave with one point, unfortunately. But we have to work, we have to improve.”
About 15,000 were on hand to witness the draw, including Schweinsteiger’s wife, 2008 French Open Champion Ana Ivanovic.
You can hear the Bastian Schweinsteiger postgame audio over at this link.
Schweinsteiger added: “A big thank you to the Chicago Fire fan support. It was very special and a very good feeling, not only for me, but also for the team. It’s very important that we have a good atmosphere at home, and I was very happy how it was today.”
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times and NBC Chicago.com, contributes to Chicago Tribune.com, Bold, WGN CLTV and KOZN.
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