Fire’s Zinckernagel Impresses in MLS All-Star Game
For just the second time this decade, Chicago Fire fans had someone to cheer for in the MLS All-Star Game.
This year’s showcase, hosted in Austin, featured the Men in Red’s Philip Zinckernagel.
The flashy Danish winger represented Chicago well, coming off the bench in the second half. He provided an assist as the MLS All-Stars defeated their Liga MX counterparts 3-1.
MLS All-Stars Take Charge Early
With 10 goals and 10 assists to his name this season, Zinckernagel certainly had a case for a starting spot. Austin’s Nico Estevez, serving as head coach of the MLS squad, opted not to start him. Cincinnati’s Evander, who served as the team’s captain, was the creative engine early on, while Denis Bouanga of LAFC provided explosiveness in the final third.
Bouanga proved to be the difference maker in the 28th minute. The Gabon international nearly scored a lovely solo goal, but had his finish saved by Luis Malagon. Bouanga retrieved the ball and delivered a perfect cross towards the back post, finding Sam Surridge completely unmarked. The Nashville striker easily placed his header in the back of the net, making it 1-0 to MLS.
Estevez turned to his bench with 10 minutes left in the first half. He made seven changes, but Zinckernagel did not yet enter the fray. The Liga MX All-Stars fended off a few more efforts from the MLS side, keeping the score at 1-0 heading into the second half.
Zinckernagel Shines in the Second Half
Zinckernagel stayed put on the bench as the MLS team made four further substitutions at halftime. It didn’t take much time for the new-look lineup to gel, as Tai Baribo made it 2-0 in the 51st minute. LAFC’s Diego Rossi played in Baribo with a beautiful weighted ball, and the Philadelphia Union striker slotted the ball home with ease.
Fire fans rejoiced in the 61st minute, as their star finally made his way onto the pitch. Zinckernagel replaced Rossi on the left, playing a little deeper than he does for Chicago. Before he was able even to get a touch on the ball, however, Liga MX pulled a goal back. 16-year-old Gilberto Mora, already a mainstay in the Mexico national team, capitalized on a loose ball in the box and smashed a powerful shot past Yohei Takaoka.
After the conceded goal, Zinckernagel grew into the game.
The 30-year-old’s skills were on full display as he won a corner and dealt a number of accurate passes. On one occasion, he sent an excellent lofted ball into the path of Brian White, who was unable to finish off the counter-attack.
The Vancouver Whitecaps forward managed to get on the scoresheet in the 80th minute, courtesy of a lovely Zinckernagel assist. The Dane was played in from behind by Cristian Espinoza of the San Jose Earthquakes. Under pressure from goalkeeper Kevin Mier, Zinckernagel squared the ball precisely to White, who converted from point-blank range to make it 3-1. That goal turned out to be the final touch on a big win for the MLS All-Stars.
Another Feather in Zinckernagel’s Cap
It’s hard to believe just how much Zinckernagel has accomplished in the US in such a short time. When he was brought in from Club Brugge in Belgium, many expected him to serve as a depth piece for the Fire. Instead, he’s blossomed into perhaps the only locked starter for Gregg Berhalter’s side. His double-digit contribution in both goals and assists isn’t just impressive – it’s historic. Zinckernagel is the first Fire player ever to achieve the 10-and-10 mark, and he’s done it with 11 games to spare.
The All-Star Game selection was impressive in its own right. Zinckernagel’s on-pitch performance in Austin is just the cherry on top. He displayed great versatility, playing in a different position than usual. His notching a goal contribution seemed inevitable.
There won’t be much time for Zinckernagel to rest. He’s rejoining the Fire squad for a pivotal home game on Saturday. 10th-placed Chicago takes on the New York Red Bulls, who occupy the all-important ninth playoff spot in the Eastern Conference standings.
With just one point separating the two teams, that game could be decisive in the playoff race.
The Fire’s All-Star will look to help his team to a massive victory.
PHOTO: Scott Wachter/Imagn Images
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