San Jose Earthquakes sealed a vital win over the 10-man Colorado Rapids in their MLS Western Conference clash.
The visitors took the lead in the 11th minute when Steven Lenhart latched onto a through-ball and fired his shot into the top corner past Clinton Irwin.
Colorado were reduced to 10 men in the 17th minute when Atiba Harris was shown a straight red card for a late challenge on Alan Gordon.
The Earthquakes took advantage of the sending off after the break as Sam Cronin doubled their lead as he surged through the Rapids defence and lifted an effort over Irwin into the net.
However, Colorado responded almost immediately when Brian Mullan lifted a cross into the penalty area and Nathan Sturgis headed home from close range.
The Rapids almost got an equaliser as Sturgis turned provider but Jaime Castrillon was denied by a brilliant save from Jon Busch, who kept his header out.
With just minutes left, Colorado pushed forward and should have been level when Mullan lifted another ball to the back post, but Edson Buddle failed to make contact with only Busch to beat as the Earthquakes held out for the win.
Simon Sinclair
