Loons blanked in friendly vs. Chicago Fire; Mikael Marques loaned out
Minnesota United lost 4-0 to Chicago Fire in a friendly Wednesday in the Coachella Valley Invitational in Indio, Calif.
The Loons used a reserve-laden starting XI and trailed 2-0 after 55 minutes. MNUFC left back Devin Padelford was sent off with a red card in the 58th minute. The Loons, down to 10 men, allowed two more goals.
United subbed in more projected starters as the game progressed, with new Swedish center back Victor Eriksson making his MNUFC debut in the 72nd minute.
Chicago star midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri scored an incredible long-range free kick in the 75th minute for the third goal. It appeared to surprise Loons third-string goalkeeper Fred Emmings.
Minnesota has a 1-1-1 record in preseason and will have a final tune-up match Saturday versus Charlotte FC. The regular season opener is Feb. 24 at Austin FC.
Marques to be loaned
MNUFC will loan defender Mikael Marques to Swedish top-flight club Vasteras for the 2024 season, a source told the Pioneer Press on Wednesday.
The Loons signed the 22-year-old Swede to a three-year deal in January 2023, but he played one MLS game last season and was occupying an international roster spot.
