A frantic first half saw both Houston Dynamo and Colorado Rapids score twice before an early second-half strike from Dynamo captain Brad Davis proved to be the decisive goal.
Dynamo opened the scoring after just three minutes as Will Bruin won the ball in midfield before laying it off to Giles Barnes, whose pass set Leonel Miranda free to fire past Clint Irwin.
Vicente Sanchez responded minutes later for the Rapids as he squeezed a free kick through the Dynamo wall and past the outstretched Tyler Deric.
Houston took the lead again midway through the half as Barnes tapped home after Bruin took Irwin out of the game, before serving up a simple chance the former Derby County winger.
Colorado got back on level terms just before the half-time whistle thanks to Sanchez's fortunate second, the forward's shot deflecting into the net off Raul Rodriguez.
Houston began the second period in similar fashion to the first as another deflection saw Dynamo retake the lead for the third time.
Miranda's shot rebounded kindly into the path of captain Davis who made no mistake from close range.
Luis Solignac went down the other end but saw his shot blocked, before Bruin missed a chance to extend Houston's lead as Irwin saved once more.
The Colorado goal threat again came from Sanchez, who saw another placed effort saved by Deric, before the Dynamo keeper denied the Uruguayan forward once more at the near post to hand his side all three points.
The Rapids remain at the foot of the Western Conference, four points behind Houston in eighth spot.
Colm Hayes
