BRIDGEVIEW, Ill— Zlatan Ibrahimović’s hot streak continued in freezing Chicago on Saturday afternoon.
In his first start for the Galaxy, Ibrahimović notched his third goal in three appearances for the club. The 36-year-old striker went 80 minutes in the team’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Chicago Fire.
The freezing conditions at Toyota Park made life difficult for both sides, but the Swedish forward persisted. Matching up against old friend Bastian Schweinsteiger, Ibrahimović had his chances, nearly finding the back of the net several times as the Galaxy pressed forward.
In the 45th minute, Ibrahimović’s goal finally came as he coolly placed a cross from Ashley Cole into the back of the Fire net for the game-winning tally. Although the Swede went through some difficulties, he left with what he wanted: three points.
“I feel like I should have scored another two goals. I missed two great chances which normally, I shouldn’t have missed, but today I did,” Ibrahimović told reporters after the game. “We won the game, even though it was difficult. It was not an easy game, especially with the weather.
“We come with the sun, they come with the wind, but the sun was the stronger one today.”
After a strong performance in his first start, head coach Sigi Schmid seemed to guarantee that we’ll see the forward from the start from now on.
“I’m happy that he got the goal,” Schmid said. “I think his performance will get better and better. Today, him getting [79 minutes] in the game, his fitness and sharpness will come.”
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