Bernardeschi back in starting lineup as Toronto FC and Chicago Fire play to draw

With Italian star Federico Bernardeschi back in the starting lineup, Toronto FC played the Chicago Fire to a scoreless draw Wednesday in MLS play.

Toronto (3-5-8) had its chances in an entertaining but scoreless first half in which it had a 10-2 edge in shots (5-0 in shots on target) on Chicago (3-4-8).

The second half was somewhat sloppier from both sides.

Chicago produced few chances and was credited with just one shot on target.

Bernardeschi was benched for Saturday's 2-1 win over visiting D.C. United.

He'd criticized the team's tactics following a 1-0 loss in Austin the previous week.

But the 29-year-old returned to training this week and was back on the wing Wednesday.

Bernardeschi was greeted by cheers and a smattering of boos during the pre-game introductions at BMO Field.

The Italian drew more cheers in the 23rd minute when, after taking a long ball from Kosi Thompson, he beat two defenders to force an acrobatic save from Chris Brady.

Minutes later, the 19-year-old Chicago 'keeper made another fine stop to deny Thompson only to be injured trying to corral the rebound when his head connected with Deandre Kerr's knee.

Brady was cut and replaced by backup Spencer Richey, a former Vancouver Whitecap, in the 30th minute.

Bernardeschi beat plenty of Fire defenders on the evening and also showed some effort in the defensive end, which is not his forte.

He exited to applause in the 85th minute, shaking hands with Bradley as he reached the bench.

Toronto has won just two of its last 13 games (2-5-6) in all competitions.

TFC has lost just one of nine home games (3-1-5) this season, but is winless on the road (0-4-3).

The Fire came into Wednesday's game having lost just once in six games in all competitions (3-1-2) since