Azira scores late as Fire earn a draw with LA Galaxy

Micheal Azira didn’t need much time to make an impact for the Chicago Fire today in the team’s final preseason match against the LA Galaxy. One minute after replacing Fabian Herbers, Azira slotted home a loose ball to tie the match 1-1 in the 84th minute, which ended up being the final score.

As for the Galaxy, Sacha Kljestan scored in the 54th minute, after he and Chicharito batted around a rebound by Kenneth Kronholm off a shot from former Fire star Aleksandar Katai.

Kronholm asked to come out of the match in the 76th minute, after appearing to suffer an injury. Bobby Shuttleworth replaced Kronholm in net. A club spokesperson didn’t yet have any further information as to the severity of the injury.

Today’s draw means Chicago finishes the 2020 preseason with a winning record of 3-2-1. The Fire travel back to Chicago on Sunday, and will train in Bridgeview all week ahead of the MLS regular season opener in Seattle on Sunday, March 1.

Other news: The club confirmed that Elliot Collier did not play as he is traveling back to New Zealand to finalize the green card process. Collier getting his green card will clear an international slot for the Fire, which will allow the club to sign its final designated player.

The Fire’s Starting XI: Kronholm; Bronico, Kappelhof, Calvo (c), Bornstein; Pineda, Frankowski, Mihailović, Herbers, Medran; Berić

Subs: Shuttleworth for Kronholm 76’, Azira for Herbers 83’