Opara scores on header in 82nd minute to lift Earthquakes in 2-1 win over Fire

Opara’s header leads Earthquakes past Fire

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. — San Jose defender Ike Opara scored on a header in the 82nd minute, leading the Earthquakes to a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Fire on Saturday night.

Opara, selected third in this year’s MLS draft, moved forward between Chicago defenders and headed in midfielder Bobby Convey’s pass from 12 yards out, beating Fire goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra.

Arturo Alvarez opened the scoring for San Jose (1-1-0) at 3:31 into the second half. Alvarez chipped a loose ball over Dykstra and defender Tim Ward after they collided trying to cover Jose Gjertzen’s pass into the goalmouth.

Marco Pappa tied the match for Chicago (0-2-1) about three minutes later, right-footing a curling shot into the upper right corner of the net, past San Jose keeper Joe Cannon, from 22 yards out.