Colorado Rapids have pulled clear of FC Dallas in the MLS Western Conference with a 2-0 win at the FC Dallas Stadium.
The home side ended the game with nine men after Daniel Hernandez and Blas Perez both saw red in quick succession during the first period.
Tyrone Marshall forced Kevin Hartman into action in the 15th minute after connecting with Martin Rivero's cross, but the Dallas keeper was equal to the task.
Hartman was also on hand to deny Rivero four minutes later after the Argentine let fly from inside the box.
There was plenty of activity within the FC Dallas penalty box during the first 45 as the Rapids threatened to break the deadlock. Dallas's task of repelling the visitors was made all the more difficult in the 34th minute.
Hernandez was given his marching orders after reciving his second yellow card for a foul on Rivero. Perez followed him down the tunnel two minutes after a reckless challenge on Drew Moor.
Despite their two-man disadvantage, Dallas made it to half time on level pegging.
Colorado continued to exert pressure on the Dallas defence and their strength in numbers finally told on the hour mark.
Jaime Castrillon met Brian Mullan's cross from the right to bury a header from close range.
Their lead was doubled after 74 minutes when Rivero latched onto another cross from Mullan to ensure that the Rapids took the points back to Colorado.
Michael Penkman
