Dillon Serna struck within a minute of kickoff as Colorado Rapids ended a three-match losing streak with a 1-0 win away to Chicago Fire this morning.

With just 50 seconds on the clock, the striker connected with Gabriel Torres's cross to fire past Sean Johnson from just outside the six-yard box.

The hosts responded well to the early setback and came agonisingly close to an equaliser when Jeff Larentowicz's free kick deflected just wide.

Just before the break, Kennedy Igboananike latched on to Matt Polster's through ball before drilling just past the post as Rapids survived to earn a slender half-time lead.

Gilberto - making his Fire debut - was introduced on 63 minutes and almost bagged an equaliser late on but his header sailed narrowly over the bar.

Chicago, who finished the clash with 20 shots, with four on target, ran out of ideas as Colorado hung on.