The New York Red Bulls rallied to beat expansion club Atlanta United 2-1 in front of a capacity crowd at Bobby Dowd Stadium.
Yamil Asad scored the Atlanta's first-ever goal in the 25th minute, slotting home from six yards away from a Tyrone Mears cross.
The hosts looked the likelier to score a second before New York levelled matters in the 75th minute when Daniel Royer rose highest to head home from a corner kick.
Despite struggling in the second half, New York then took the lead through a Anton Walkes own goal in the 82nd minute.