Inter Miami continued their winning start to the season with an impressive 2-0 victory over last season's MLS Cup runners-up Philadelphia Union while Wayne Rooney's D.C. United fell to a 2-0 loss at Columbus Crew and new club St. Louis City enjoyed a second straight win. LAFC had begun the day in celebratory mood marking their first title win last season with the players given their championship rings and the title banner unveiled but Steve Cherundolo's squad quickly got down to business.

The 38-year-old Chiellini, in his second season in Los Angeles after joining from Juventus last year, poked in a 24th minute opener after Portland had failed to deal with a cross into the box. Eventually, LAFC were able to catch their final win 3-2.