The Big Headline is that Bastian Schweinsteiger has concluded his rigorous and iconoclastic shin-rubbing portion of preseason in favor of a quixotic substitute performance. Even Basti’s presence as a halftime substitute in the Chicago Fire’s preseason match against Nashville SC in Brandenton, Florida couldn’t summon a goal, as the game ended in a scoreless draw.
The Men in Red stay in Bradenton for another three days, ending their stay in Florida with another friendly, this one a closed-door match against Orlando City Saturday in their cavernous purple cathedral. This team may not be ready for the season, but we really won’t know until it starts.