Houston Dynamo have climbed above Montreal Impact in the MLS Eastern Conference courtesy of an early goal from Ricardo Clark at BBVA Compass Stadium.
The Texas outfit are now in third place, five points clear of sixth-placed Philadelphia Union, who lurk just outside the playoff spots.
It was a stunning strike in the sixth minute of the game that ultimately saw them home, with Clarke turning expertly inside Collen Warner before curling the ball beyond Troy Perkins from outside the box.
Giles Barnes had chances to put the game beyond doubt the for the hosts, although Tally Hall was also called upon to deny Wandrille Lefevre and Andres Romero before the final whistle.
However, they continue their patchy form of late, which sees them now just four points inside the playoff places.
Michael Penkman
