It was a 3-2 away win against the Portland Timbers after a late winner in the 88th minute by Costa Rican Ariel Lassiter.
Rydström was fired by Malmö FF in September and took a new coaching job in Major League Soccer at the turn of the year.
Reigning champions Inter Miami and Lionel Messi had the worst possible start to the new MLS season, losing 3-0 away to Los Angeles FC.
75,673 spectators, the second-highest attendance in MLS history, saw three different goalscorers, including Denis Bouanga, who finished second in the scoring charts last season behind Messi. Inter's next match is against Orlando on March 1.
