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Chicago Fire Vs Orlando City: 5 things we learned – De Leeuw returns

By Adnan Bašić

BRIDGEVIEW, IL - JULY 18: Chicago Fire forward Nemanja Nikolic (23) celebrates his goal with teammates during the game against the Louisville City FC on July 18, 2018 at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BRIDGEVIEW, IL - JULY 18: Chicago Fire forward Nemanja Nikolic (23) celebrates his goal with teammates during the game against the Louisville City FC on July 18, 2018 at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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MUNICH, GERMANY – AUGUST 28: Michael de Leeuw of Chicago Fire looks on during the friendly match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Chicago Fire at Allianz Arena on August 28, 2018 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY – AUGUST 28: Michael de Leeuw of Chicago Fire looks on during the friendly match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Chicago Fire at Allianz Arena on August 28, 2018 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /

1. The Lion was greatly missed

Near the end of last season, Michael de Leeuw tore his ACL, sidelining him for nearly a full year. He has just returned to action in recent weeks. But Sunday was the first time ‘the Lion’ looked like his old self again.

In his first few games after coming back, de Leeuw was just focused on staying on the field and playing for as long as possible. After getting rid of the rust, the Dutchman is back and showing the Fire just how much they missed him.

De Leeuw assisted the opening two goals, both coming after precise low crosses into the area. He was able to grab a goal for himself in the second half, getting to a corner at the back post and prodding home from close range. MDL did more than the stat sheet would show, though, as his energy was infectious, and gave his teammates a much-needed morale boost.

Next. MLS: Top 10 goals of Week 29. dark

Now, after finally getting back to his best, De Leeuw can focus on doing as much as he can for the team before the year comes to a close. It’s nice to have him back in the fold indeed.

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