Kevin Doyle scored the winner as the Colorado Rapids beat the Houston Dynamo 2-1 to close the gap on their rivals at the bottom of the Western Conference.
The visitors made a bright start and came close to breaking the deadlock in spectacular fashion when Clint Irwin was forced into a save by a dipping 30-yard strike from Brad Davis.
However, the opportunity to take the lead was gifted to the hosts in just the 20th minute when Alex was penalised for handling the ball while sliding in to block Vicente Sanchez's cross.
Sanchez took on the responsibility from 12 yards and he made no mistake with an emphatic finish.
The referee was forced to point to the spot at the other end when Sean St Ledger foolishly brought down Will Bruin while attempting to clear the danger from his box.
Davis converted from the penalty spot to get Houston back on level terms, but Colorado continued to dominate possession either side of the break after losing their lead.
Despite staying on top for long spells, the Rapids found it tough to create opportunities and they almost fell behind against the run of play when Irwin kept out Giles Barnes at the front post.
The breakthrough did arrive for Colorado with just over 10 minutes remaining when St Ledger made up for his earlier mistake by picking out Doyle, who headed home powerfully to clinch the win which leaves the Rapids just two points behind Houston.
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