Tucson, Arizona (Feb. 11, 2023) – Chicago Fire FC drew 0-0 with USL Championship side Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday in the team’s second match of the 2023 Desert Showcase at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona.
With the result, the Fire remain unbeaten in the annual preseason tournament with four points gained through the first two matches (1-0-1).
The Fire pressed in their attack throughout the duration of the match, with their first dangerous opportunity coming in the 18th minute. Designated Player Xherdan Shaqiri drove down the right flank, serving a low cross on to the run of midfielder Brian Gutiérrez at the top of the six-yard box. Under pressure, Gutiérrez placed a driven shot on frame, but into the gloves of Colorado’s goalkeeper.
The pair connected again just five minutes later, when Shaqiri collected a pass at the top of the 18-yard box and slotted a pass in to Gutiérrez who fired another attempt on frame, denied by a diving save.
Thirty minutes into the match, Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady made a flying save, stretching to deny a Switchbacks shot heading for the top right corner of the net.
With less than five minutes remaining in the half, forward Kacper Przybyłko took a far-range shot from outside the 18 yard box. The attempt beat the Colorado goalkeeper but struck the far post, before being cleared away from danger by the Colorado defense.
In the 60th minute, the Fire made nine substitutions to bring on a new wave of energy for the remaining half hour of the match. The shift change included new 2023 signee, goalkeeper Jeff Gal who came on to help maintain the clean sheet.
With just over 10 minutes remaining in the match, winger Chris Muller saved a ball from going over the endline and connected with midfielder Federico Navarro just inside the 18-yard box. Navarro laid the ball off for midfielder Sergio Oregel Jr. who placed a shot over the top of Colorado goalkeeper, but was headed off the line by the Switchbacks defense, maintaining the scoreless draw.
The Fire will next take on New Mexico United of the USL Championship in a closed-door preseason match on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 1:00 p.m. CT, before rounding out the tournament on Saturday, Feb. 18 with a match against Real Salt Lake at 12:00 p.m. CT.
