MLS: Colorado Rapids 2 Philadelphia Union 1

Colorado Rapids inflicted 10-man Philadelphia Union’s first loss of the season, winning 2-1 at PPL Park in Friday’s Major League Soccer.

First-half goals from Pablo Mastroeni and Sanna Nyassi proved enough for the visitors to take all three points, leaving Sporting Kansas City and LA Galaxy as the only teams yet to be beaten at home this season.

It was veteran midfielder Mastroeni who opened the scoring 35 minutes in, collecting Brian Mullan’s throw-in and beating Carlos Valdes, before finding the top-left corner for his first goal of the season.

And Nyassi doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time, receiving a through ball from Omar Cummings to round off a sharp counterattacking move with Colorado’s second.

Keon Daniel and Danny Mwanga enjoyed the Union’s only real chances of the first half, but the introduction of Roger Torres and Michael Farfan saw an improvement from the hosts after the break.

Valdes came close twice, first from a header and then following a quick exchange with Sebastien Le Toux.

But Philadelphia’s task became considerably harder when they lost Sheanon Williams, who was shown two yellow cards in quick succession for dissent toward the referee.

Williams’ departure left the home side a man light with 27 minutes still to play.

They did eventually get one back, with substitute Torres netting in stoppage time to halve the Rapids’ lead.

And Valdes almost equalised with just seconds remaining, but saw his header cleared off the line by Colorado goalkeeper Matt Pickens, who frustrated the hosts throughout the match.

The hard-earned win sees the Rapids climb to fourth in the Western Conference, eight points behind leaders Galaxy.

The Union remain top of the Eastern Conference, level on points with Columbus Crew.