Chicago Fire's technical director Frank Klopas was disappointed but remaining positive following the 1-0 away loss to New York Red Bulls in their MLS season opener.
The Fire were beaten by a 40th Joel Lindpere goal and the result was not ideal but Klopas said the team will be much better for the run.
"I'm a little disappointed that we lost," Klopas told Chicago Fire Confidential. "I think my main concern going into the game was the fact that we haven't had a game in a while.
" I think it hurt us a little bit that we didn't play a game last week - even if it [would have been] a college game against Notre Dame - and I think it showed the first half when we weren't as sharp. But I think the second half was different game.
"I think we were a better team in the second half, we were able to move the ball better but unfortunately they scored a great goal [and that was all it took]."
The Fire are away again this weekend and will be hoping for a better result when they face the Colorado Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.