Chicago Fire kept alive their hopes of qualifying for the MLS Cup by beating New York Red Bulls 1-0 at Toyota Park this morning.

Mike Magee's first-half strike proved enough as Frank Yallop's side moved within two points of fifth-placed Philadelphia Union, who occupy the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

It was the Red Bulls who started the better of both sides in the Windy City, but Thierry Henry and co failed in their bid to give their team the lead.

Chicago edged ahead on 37 minutes after Quincy Amarikwa won a penalty but, after seeing his initial effort saved by Luis Robles, Magee followed up and tucked home the rebound.

Henry came close to providing a swift riposte for the visitors, firing a right-footed volley narrowly over the bar three minutes later.

Eric Alexander spurned a good chance to level matters on the hour mark after being played in by Tim Cahill, but the midfielder failed to beat Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson.

Yallop's troops weathered a brief storm of New York pressure and ultimately hung on to claim a much-needed three points.