There are plenty of storylines heading into the Chicago Fire’s 2022 season opener tonight against Inter Miami (5 p.m. CT, WGN-TV and CF97 Live). How will Xherdan Shaqiri fare in his first MLS game? Will Jhon Duran make in impact? Will Federico Navarro be fit enough to play? What will the back line look like with Rafael Czichos leading the way? What kind of ridiculous saves will Gabriel Slonina manufacture tonight?
All of those are valid. But, first and foremost, tonight’s match is about Ezra Hendrickson. After 25 years in MLS is a player and assistant coach, Hendrickson, finally, will walk out on a pitch as a head coach.