MLS: FC Dallas 1 Chivas USA 0

FC Dallas moved to within three points of Western Conference leaders LA Galaxy following a 1-0 win over Chivas USA on Sunday.

Honduran winger Marvin Chavez struck the winner in the 26th minute of the match at Pizza Hut Park, benefitting from a deflection off Chivas centre-back Heath Pearce.

The visitors had enjoyed the first sight of goal during intense heat in north Texas, as Justin Braun narrowly failed to connect with Jorge Flores’ cross.

Dallas slowly worked their way into the match, with Ruben Luna and Brek Shea both going close.

Both men were involved in the only goal of the match.

Shea found Luna with an accurate forward pass, the Mexican in turn feeding Chavez.

And the man on loan from Marathon unleashed a shot with enough force that it cannoned off Pearce, ending up in the back of the net after leaving Chivas goalkeeper Dan Kennedy helpless.

Centre-back George John went close to doubling the lead with a header six minutes before half-time.

Dallas proved relatively comfortable defending their advantage in the second half.

They restricted Chivas to one clear sight of goal, and Pearce was denied his effort for a foul on Jair Benitez.

It was Dallas’ eighth victory in their last nine matches and an impressive 12th clean sheet of the campaign for goalkeeper Kevin Hartman.

Dallas are second, three points behind Galaxy and three ahead of third-placed Seattle.

The defeat leaves Chivas sixth, with eight wins from 22 matches.