Chicago Fire defender Boris Sekulić and midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri saw action in a pair of Tuesday friendlies, capping the current international break with a pair of starts for their respective national teams.
Sekulić started and played 90 minutes for Slovakia in a 2-0 friendly win over Finland at the Estadio Nueva Condomina in Murcia, Spain. The start was Sekulić's first for the country since 2018, and his fourth appearance overall. Sekulić previously came on as a second half substitution in Slovakia's 2-0 defeat to Norway this past Friday.
Shaqiri didn't get on the official scoresheet, but provided yet another clever pass in the buildup to a Switzerland goal in Tuesday's 1-1 friendly draw with Kosovo. In the 61st minute, Shaqiri received the ball in the Swiss attacking third, then danced around the Kosovo defense until he could find space to play Kevin Mbabu into the Kosovo 18-yard box. Mbabu then lofted a cross to the far post for Jordan Lotomba to head in the equalizer.
Shaqiri started and played 75 minutes, before being subbed off for Renato Steffen.
After making his senior team debut last Friday, defender Miguel Navarro did not feature for Venezuela in their 1-0 defeat to Colombia in 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifying.
Tuesday's matches wrapped up the current international window for the Fire players called unto duty. They'll now return home to help Ezra Hendrickson's side continue preparations for Saturday's visit from FC Dallas at Soldier Field.
Kickoff for this Saturday's match is at 2:30 p.m. CT, and tickets are available for purchase by clicking the link below.
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!
