Houston Dynamo produced a professional display against DC United to retain their Eastern Conference title and book a return to the MLS Cup Final.
© AP Photos
Dynamo were in the ascendancy after building a 3-1 first-leg lead back in Houston last week, putting pressure on DC to chase the game from the outset.
United controlled possession in the early stages but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities.
Branko Boskovic fired a header over the top for DC after 30 minutes and his side were punished for wasting that chance just moments later.
An incisive Houston break saw Brad Davis find space at the byline before cutting back to Boniek Garcia, who smashed into the roof of the net from close range.
DC went for broke in the second half but could not find a way past a steely Dynamo defence.
Lewis Neal, Chris Korb and Maicon Santos all went close but could not make the breakthrough to ensure United's season came to an abrupt end.
United finally made the breakthrough seven minutes from time through Boskovic but it was too late to mount a dramatic comeback.
Houston become the first team to book their place in the MLS Cup Final and could face Los Angeles Galaxy in a repeat of last year's final if they overcome the Seattle Sounders later tonight.
Liam Power
