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Schweinsteiger the sweeper? Fire's star shines in both midfield and defense

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. – It’s been quite an eventful few weeks for Bastian Schweinsteiger as he adjusts to significant change in both his personal and professional life.

The Chicago Fire star and his wife Ana Ivanovic welcomed their first child into the world on March 19 in Chicago. And while that arrival has brought some change to life off the field, the German has also had to contend with the demands of a new, more defensive role in the red jersey, a move he has embraced with typical confidence and professionalism.

After the Fire conceded six goals in their opening two games, and with a growing list of defensive options consigned to the injury list, head coach Veljko Paunovic decided to drop the versatile 33-year-old into an unaccustomed sweeper role as part of a fluid back three/back five against the Portland Timbers.