New York City slumped to their first defeat in the MLS against Sporting Kansas City at Yankee Stadium.
Sporting, who started the game in mid-table in the Western Conference, nearly conceded in the opening seconds when Ned Grabavoy's early strike was stopped by keeper Luis Marin.
The visitors found a breakthrough on 12 minutes when a long throw from Matt Besler was headed home by Ike Opara.
Later in the first half, Graham Zusi almost made it 2-0 for Sporting, but his shot was blazed over the crossbar.
City, being watched from the stands by new signing Frank Lampard, almost got back on level terms early in the second half when Colombian forward Javier Calle brought a save out of Marin.
Kansas continued to threaten a second goal themselves as Jimmy Medranda unleashed a fizzing drive that went just over Josh Saunders's crossbar.
However, Sporting were able to hold out for a 1-0 victory that moves them into fifth in the Western Conference.
Chris O'Keefe
