Zlatan Ibrahimovic scores in first start to boost Galaxy at Fire

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Ibrahimovic scores winner in first LA Galaxy start - Via MLS

Zlatan Ibrahimovic heads in what proved to be the winning goal for LA Galaxy at Chicago in his first MLS start.

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:31 am

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored the lone goal to help the LA Galaxy secure a 1-0 win at the Chicago Fire on Saturday.

After scoring twice to help his new club beat LAFC on his MLS debut, Ibrahimovic made his first start and his header just before half-time was the difference in the game.

Ashley Cole swung a cross into the box that flew over the head of Ibrahimovic's marker Bastian Schweinsteiger -- who started at center-back for the second-straight game -- and the striker rose to coolly head the ball down and into the net.

Ibrahimovic had two other chances to score, only to be denied both times by Chicago keeper Richard Sanchez, before leaving the game in the 80th minute.

"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," Ibrahimovic said 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 today, so we're happy."

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Galaxy coach Sigi Schmid added: "I'm happy that he got the goal. I think his performance will get better and better. Today, him getting [79 minutes] in the game, his fitness and sharpness will come."

The Galaxy thought they had the lead in the ninth minute when Sebastian Lletget's cross went in for an own goal off Alan Gordon, but the point came off the board for offside following a video review.

Chicago's best chance at an equalizer came in the 68th minute when Aleksandar Katai's dipping shot from distance was pawed aside by Galaxy keeper David Bingham.

The Galaxy, who rebounded from last week's loss to Sporting Kansas City, moved up to second place in the Western Conference with their third win in six games. The Fire have lost three of their first five.