DC United downs Chicago

Dwayne De Rosario reached 99 MLS career goals when firing the home side in Washington ahead after 19 minutes, before Daniel Paladini hauled Chicago level in the 45th minute. There was still time before the half-time whistle for United to regain the lead, with Lionard Pajoy heading in.

It went 3-1 ahead with another headed goal, this time from Brandon McDonald, in the 51st minute.

A diving header from Chicago's Gonzalo Segares with 15 minutes remaining ensured a tense finish, but substitute Long Tan eased home concerns by netting in the 89th minute.

DC stands fifth in the Eastern Conference, with five going into the post-season, and has a game in hand over both Chicago and Houston Dynamo, teams it trails by just a single point.

Columbus Crew stands seven points behind DC, with a game in hand over the team from the capital and two in hand over Chicago and Houston, after a 2-1 home win over Toronto FC.

Eddie Gaven gave Columbus a fourth-minute lead with a deflected strike, and recent addition Federico Higuain added a second goal in the 58th minute.

Luis Silva produced a composed finish from 20 yards for Toronto's reply in the 71st minute. It remains at the foot of the Eastern Conference.