The Chicago Fire got their first win of the MLS season today with a 3-1 success at home to New York Red Bulls, thanks to a late brace from Maicon Santos.
New York were in control from the outset and took the lead on 17 minutes through Jamison Olave, who headed in after meeting a knock across goal from Brandon Barklage.
Chicago got a chance to equalise just five minutes later from the penalty spot after Jonathan Steele handled in the area.
Chris Rolfe stepped up but could only send his effort well wide of the target.
The home side eventually levelled just before the break when Dan Paladini made the most of indecision in the New York defence to turn home Hunter Jumper's cross at the far post.
Thierry Henry came off the bench for New York after 60 minutes and went close to an instant impact as his curling strike came back off the post.
Chicago kept plugging away and made New York pay for a string of missed chances late on with an inspired substitution of their own.
Santos was the man who made the difference, cutting inside Olave before guiding a composed finish into the corner to put Chicago ahead.
With three minutes left Santos took advantage of slack marking to tap in his second and seal all three points for the home side.
Liam Power
