It was always going to be a memorable night for Dax McCarty.
The midfielder was playing against the New York Red Bulls for the first time since he was traded to the Chicago Fire in the offseason, with the match taking place at Red Bull Arena.
WATCH: Kaka scores in first game back from injury
But McCarty made an impact on the scoresheet, helping to set up a second-half equalizer.
Bursting forward from his defensive midfield position, McCarty used a spin move to burn a pair of defenders and get into the area, before feeding Nemanja Nikolic for the 59th minute goal which reset the contest at 1-1.
.@DaxMcCarty11 spin move, @niko_nemanja goal! @ChicagoFire pulls level at Red Bull Arena: https://t.co/4WvU0BP6LS #NYvCHI pic.twitter.com/kqZAcXa1AM
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 30, 2017
Unfortunately for McCarty, Kemar Lawrence was able to find the back of the net in the 71st minute to give the Red Bulls the edge they would not relinquish.
But despite the defeat, McCarty seemed to be in good spirits after the game, embracing many of his former teammates. He also stayed out a while after the whistle, applauding the Red Bulls fans for their support.
Dax. All class. #NYvCHI pic.twitter.com/ZEH1nlMWMt
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 30, 2017