Chivas USA strengthened their position in the MLS Western Conference with a 2-1 home win over Vancouver Whitecaps.

The hosts started well and took the lead in the 11th minute when Jun Marques Davidson deflected Carlos Alvarez's shot past Joe Cannon.

Eric Avila should have doubled his side's lead when he was put through by Juan Agudelo, but he could only hit the side netting.

The visitors were almost level when Alain Rochat tested Dan Kennedy from distance and the goalkeeper made the save but parried it straight to Daigo Kobayashi, who lifted his effort over the bar.

After the break, the home side doubled their lead when Avila drilled volley into the bottom corner from Jorge Villafana's cross.

Chivas almost got a third but Cannon was on hand to make a good save to deny Tristan Bowen's powerful shot.

Vancouver got a goal back when Kenny Miller headed home from close range after Erik Hurtado's shot was blocked straight into his path.

The Whitecaps looked for an equaliser but couldn't find a way past Kennedy again, as the hosts closed out the win.