Columbus Crew have moved five points behind DC United in the Eastern Conference after victory over 10-man Chicago Fire at MAPFRE Stadium.
The hosts wasted no time in taking the lead when Federico Higuain scored from the penalty spot within two minutes after Sean Johnson's foul on Ethan Finlay.
David Accam pulled Chicago level after nine minutes, but the Fire were trailing again soon after.
Columbus's second goal came when Waylon Francis teed up Kei Kamara and the former Fulham frontman made no mistake in beating Harry Shipp.
Jason Johnson almost pulled the visitors back on terms for a second time when his shot was saved late in the first half by Steve Clark.
However, Johnson was sent off soon after the restart when the referee gave him a second yellow card for simulation.
Columbus tried to make sure of victory in the latter stages, with Higuain and Kamara going close to scoring a third, but it was Finlay's late strike that capped off a 3-1 win that moves them ahead of New York Red Bulls in the standings.
Chris O'Keefe
