Brian Ching led the way with a brace as West leaders Houston stayed clear with a 3-1 victory at Colorado on Saturday night.

The U.S. international sandwiched his pair around a Conor Casey strike in the game's first nine minutes, and Ricardo Clark added gloss for the Dynamo after the home scorer was sent off in the second half.

Meanwhile, Chivas USA kept pace by scoring a 3-0 triumph at struggling D.C. United.

Alecko Eskandarian and new acquisiton Dejair each nothced a goal and an assist, with Sasha Victorine bagging his second goal in as many games.

East frontrunners Columbus moved 10 points clear thanks to a 1-0 win against Los Angeles, the only league home success of the night.

Top gun Alejandro Moreno put the Crew up to stay just before the break.

The lead stretch was possible as New England were forced to rally from two down for a 2-2 share with visiting Real Salt Lake.

Javier Morales and Andy Williams had the guests seemingly in control with 17 minutes to play, but Steve Ralston and Taylor Twellman each connected in a three-minute span to gain the Revs a point.

Finally, Toronto FC enhanced their playoff posture with a 3-1 victory at New York.

Chad Barrett's double already had a Dane Richards marker trumped before TFC teen phenom Abdus Ibrahim piled on in the late going.