Tucson, Arizona (Feb. 8, 2023) – Chicago Fire FC defeated Sacramento FC, 4-0, on Wednesday in the team’s first appearance of the 2023 Desert Showcase in Tucson, Arizona.
Goals were scored by defender Carlos Terán, forward Missael Rodríguez, and midfielders Sergio Oregel Jr. and Xherdan Shaqiri, as the Fire made their debut in the annual preseason tournament.
Chicago opened up the scoring against Sacramento in the 18th minute off a corner kick whipped in by defender Charlie Ostrem. The service found Victor Bezerra who flicked the ball across the face of goal towards Terán who found the back of the net with a volley from close range.
The Fire would double their lead in the 58th minute as midfielder Chris Mueller found Oregel Jr. who tucked a low driven shot on the ground past Sacramento’s keeper into the right hand corner of the net. The Fire changed things up midway through the second half as head coach Ezra Hendrickson implemented 10 new subs in the 60th minute.
With 10 minutes left in the match, midfielder Fabian Herbers assisted Rodríguez with a pass from the top of the box. Connecting with Herbers’ pass, Rodríguez sent the ball into the back of the net from a tight angle just outside the six yard box.
A hard foul on midfielder Brian Gutiérrez would seal Chicago’s final goal of the evening, with Shaqiri converting the ensuing penalty kick into the lower left corner.
The Club’s next match of the tournament will take place this Saturday, Feb. 11 at 4:00 p.m. CT against the Colorado Springs Switchbacks. The Fire will then take on New Mexico United in a closed-door preseason match on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 1:00 p.m. CT before rounding out the Desert Showcase tournament on Saturday, Feb. 18 with a match against Real Salt Lake at 12:00 p.m. CT.
October 7 vs Charlotte FC
Chicago Fire FC celebrated Fan Appreciation Night on October 7, 2023 to give back to our dedicated fans and their commitment throughout the season!
