WASHINGTON (AP) -- Marco Etcheverry scored his first MLS goal in 21 months, and Abdul Thompson Conteh added a goal as D.C. United won its home opener 2-0 over the Chicago Fire on Saturday.

United captain Etcheverry curled a left-footed, 22-yard free kick neatly into the upper right hand corner of the net in the 39th minute for his first league goal since June 17, 2000, which was also on a free kick against the Fire.

"Marco, the old devil magic was shining again," United coach Ray Hudson said. "A world class goal. That's the price of admission right there. That's $15 right there, that goal."

It was also the first goal in a United victory since 1999 for Etcheverry, the 1998 MLS MVP whose fortunes have sagged along with his team's over the past two years.

But, on this day at least, Etcheverry and United (1-1) brought back old memories with a solid performance against one of the favorites to win the title this season. Nick Rimando made five saves, although none were particularly difficult, to shut out the Fire (1-1).

"I'm absolutely bubbly," said Hudson, making his home debut as United's coach. "I'm just so pleased for the lads. It's the big stage, big night, the curtain's opening and rockets are going off, and we gave a winning performance.

"But I'm really not happy. We've got to hold ourselves to higher standards. ... I'm giddy for the win, but I know when I'm walking me dog tonight, he'll be shaking his head and saying, 'You can play better than that, Ray.' "

Etcheverry not scored the first goal, but he also was the spark plug for Conteh's score in first-half injury time. Etcheverry fought hard to block the Fire's attempt to clear the ball out of the box, keeping it alive for Milton Reyes' cross to Conteh, who spun and scored from 12 yards.

Etcheverry left the game in the 75th minute and was greeted with a high-five and a huge hug from Hudson.

Chicago's best scoring chances came in the first half, and none was better than Ante Razov's breakaway in the 27th minute. With plenty of space and time, Razov sent his shot right into Rimando's body for the easy save.

United played defensively in the second half, settling for the occasional counterattack. Razov again came closest to scoring for the Fire when his free kick glanced off the top of the crossbar.

"When D.C. got that first goal, I don't think we responded very well," Chicago coach Bob Bradley said. "It was a great free kick. That was the turning point of the game."

Fire defender Evan Whitfield left the game in the second half with sprained ligaments in his left knee from a tackle by Conteh. He will be re-evaluated when the team returns to Chicago.