Published on 12:00 AM, April 03, 2017

Bastian sad despite goal

Chicago Fire coach Velijko Paunović (L) speaks about his new midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger during a news conference on March 29, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. Photo: AFP

Bastian Schweinsteiger launched his Major League Soccer career with a debut goal on Saturday but was left unsatisfied after Chicago Fire's 2-2 draw with Montreal Impact.

The former Germany, Bayern Munich and Manchester United midfielder headed home from close range after 17 minutes to give Chicago a 1-0 lead over the Canadian club, but Chicago were forced to settle for a point after Montreal hit back with two goals of their own before Fire grabbed an injury-time equaliser.

"It was a good feeling but I'm a little bit sad and not so happy that we couldn't win the game," Schweinsteiger told reporters after the game. "We can improve. We had good chances actually. We have to finish a little bit better," he added.

Schweinsteiger was circumspect when asked for his first impressions on the MLS.

"It's intense," he said. "But it's not easy after one match to talk about the level of the MLS. I'm more focused on our game. I want that we improve, we control the games, that we are effective, that we use our chances, that we stay compact.

"We didn't give them many chances but they scored two goals. I prefer to keep a clean sheet and score two or three goals."

The 2014 World Cup-winner said meanwhile he was still not fully match fit but was satisfied at coming through 90 minutes.