Chicago Fire scored at the beginning and end of an ill-tempered game to beat Dallas 2-0 at Toyota Park this morning.
Only five minutes had elapsed before Chicago moved ahead as David Accam raced on to Jason Johnson's ball before squeezing his effort past Dan Kennedy from an acute angle.
Michael Barrios sought an ambitious equaliser on the 20-minute mark when he attempted to lob Sean Johnson from the semi-circle but failed.
Nevertheless, Dallas finished the half on top and Matt Hedges spurned two promising chances to level before the break, but missed the target from six yards on both occasions.
On 55 minutes, it was almost two when Harry Shipp rose highest to meet Johnson's cross, but his header flew narrowly wide of the post.
The Texans were forced into long-range efforts by virtue of the hosts' steely defence, with Tesho Akindele taking aim from outside the box in the final quarter but Johnson beat it away.
Dallas were given fresh impetus in their bid for an equaliser on 80 minutes when Matt Watson was shown a straight red card for a two-footed lunge.
However, there was precious little time for them to capitalise on their numerical advantage and Shaun Maloney added a second from the penalty spot shortly afterwards when Kellyn Acosta had brought down Kennedy Igboananike.
Shane Callaghan
