DC United have moved 10 points clear at the top of the Eastern Conference thanks to a 1-0 victory over the Chicago Fire, who remain bottom.
Chances were difficult to come by in the early stages of the match, but DC threatened first when Facundo Coria unleashed a powerful strike to force Sean Johnson to tip the ball over the crossbar.
Despite looking vulnerable to sharp counter-attacks from the visitors, Chicago created a good chance when Kennedy Igboananike sprinted clear of the defence before hitting a low shot which just beat Bill Hamid but drifted wide of the post.
Chicago came close to breaking the deadlock once again when Joevin Jones delivered an inviting cross which Igboananike could only divert wide.
Much of the possession was shared in the second half as the two defences enjoyed superiority, but the home side were a few inches away from a goal when Harry Shipp's free kick evaded the sliding Jason Johnson.
However, the lead belonged to United 17 minutes from time when a loose ball fell to Conor Doyle, who fired home an unstoppable strike from 25 yards.
