Justin McMaster impresses during Minnesota United's scoreless exhibition draw

Minnesota United played Chicago Fire FC to a scoreless draw on a blustery Saturday near Orlando, a game that Loons coach Adrian Heath called "uneventful."

Afterward, he noted his players' ability to get through their first MLS preseason friendly "unscathed" and praised 2021 first-round pick Justin McMaster.

Loons starters played about 60 minutes, with newly arrived striker Adrien Hunou and recently reacquired Abu Danladi having the team's best chances.

McMaster, 24, played seven games with one assist during an injury-prone rookie season. He was drafted 17th overall out of Wake Forest a year ago. He is one of several young players Heath is hopeful will add youth, speed and goals this season.

"He looks great so far, I've got to say," Heath said. "It was a really frustrating year for him last year. He has worked really hard. He has looked really sharp, has impressed all the coaching staff. We know there is a footballer in there. We just have to get it out."

Help needed

Woodbury's Under-19 prospect Devin Padelford started at left back for injured Chase Gasper and D.J. Taylor started at Romain Metanire's right-back spot.

"We didn't want to take any risks, not this early in the season," Heath said.

Metanire is rehabbing a hamstring muscle he tore in a first-round playoff loss at Portland.

Local does well

Heath called himself impressed as well with left-footed Padelford, who has trained with the Loons' first team in the preseason and some the past six months. He could become a homegrown signing like goalkeeper Fred Emmings was.

"He's come in and done smashing," Heath said. "If we can get him signed, put him in that second (MNUFC2) team, we can see how develops. That's what that second team is there for."

The Loons went to Florida to train in the heat and the sun. Heath lamented Saturday's windy conditions. The lowest temperatures in a decade are forecast for Sunday.