Austin Berry wouldn’t have thought giving up a goal in his first MLS start could help him.

But after the rookie center back fouled Chivas USA forward Alejandro Moreno in the penalty area 21 minutes into his first professional appearance on Friday – a play that led to a penalty kick goal by Juan Pablo Angel – Berry said he became more comfortable.

“I didn’t have to worry about giving up a goal anymore,” Berry told MLSsoccer.com after the Fire’s 2-1 win. “It helped me settle into the game.”