A double from Obafemi Martins has seen the Seattle Sounders triumph 2-1 over DC United at Centurylink Field.
Victory vaults the hosts above the Colorado Rapids and into sixth place in the Western Conference.
The Nigerian notched his first of the evening in the 18th minute, firing beyond Joe Willis after latching on to a through ball from Brad Evans.
The Sounders did well to restrict their opponents to long-range efforts, although Sainey Nyassi wasted a good opportunity to get the visitors back in the game in the 53rd minute.
Willis was alert to deny Eddie Johnson from extending the home side's lead, but he could do nothing to stop Martins from wrapping up victory in injury time.
DC United remain 10th in the Eastern Conference, four points behind Toronto FC.
Michael Penkman
