The Chicago Fire didn’t score but also didn’t allow a goal in a preseason opener Thursday against host Norwich City in England.
After nine days of training with many new players, the more important objective during the 0-0 tie was seeing as many players as possible under game conditions.
“We had two completely different units that started the first half to the second,” Fire coach Frank Yallop said. “So 22 different players got to play a 45-minute spell, which is always good to start. I thought our unity, after nine or so days of training, and some of the stuff we played was quite bright. … We actually played pretty well for a group that’s new.”
Fire captain Jeff Larentowicz missed the game suffering what was described by the team with a bruised knee.
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“He’s got a strain, had an MRI, it was cleared,” Yallop said. “He’s been swimming and working out with the fitness coach, it feels pretty good, so he’ll be back on the field pretty soon.”
The Fire will remain at Norwich through Thursday before heading on the London for more training and a game next Thursday at the Queens Park Rangers of the English Premier League.