Bobby Burling scored an 88th-minute winner to hand Chivas USA a narrow 3-2 win over Chicago Fire in their opening game of the new MLS season today.
The hosts came close to taking the lead just after the half-hour mark when Mau Rosales fired a free kick towards the top left corner, but Sean Johnson got across to make a good save.
The bulk of the action came in the second half, and it took just 10 minutes for the opening goal as Erick Torres was brought down inside the box.
The referee pointed to the spot, and the Mexican striker picked himself up and dusted himself off before slotting home from 12 yards to give the hosts the lead.
It was 2-0 just three minutes later as Thomas McNamara latched onto Leandro Barrera's pass before beating Johnson with his effort to complete a quickfire double for Chivas.
Chicago pulled a goal back within five minutes, however, as Hector Joya made it 2-1 just moments after entering the action as a substitute.
The visitors then relied on another substitute to draw them back level as Quincy Amarikwa made it 2-2 in the 70th minute to complete Chicago's fightback.
However, their comeback proved to be in vain as Burling rose highest inside the box to nod past Johnson and give his side a dramatic win to begin the MLS campaign.
Barney Corkhill
