Bayern Munich's stateside preseason tour is off to a successful start.
The defending German champions defeated Mexican side Chivas de Guadalajara 1-0 through a goal from Claudio Pizarro in a feisty friendly played at Red Bull Arena on Thursday night. Pizarro nodded home a Franck Ribery corner kick in the 24th minute, and Bayern held on for the win despite conceding some quality looks late in the match played in front of a sold-out crowd of 25,023.
Goalkeeper Tom Starke came up big for Pep Guardiola's team in the closing moments of a match that started with harsh fouls from both sides. Starke denied substitute forward Carlos Fierro on a pair of late chances, including on a point-blank shot after a cross from the left perfectly found Fierro unmarked in between Bayern's center backs.
US national team youngster Julian Green was on the gameday roster for the clash against the Liga MX side, but he did not play after recently recovering from a knee injury.
Green and Bayern Munich will now head to Portland, Ore., to play in the MLS All-Star Game at Providence Park on Aug. 6.
