Ching lifts Dynamo into playoffs

Brian Ching scored twice in the first nine minutes, helping the Houston Dynamo clinch a playoff spot with a 3-1 victory over the Colorado Rapids last night in Commerce City, Colo.

Houston leads the Western Conference with 43 points, four better than second place Chivas USA.

The Dynamo scored three goals in the first 19 minutes with Ching striking first two minutes in. Conor Casey tied the score five minutes later, but Ching scored again in the ninth minute, making it 2-1.

Ricardo Clark added a Houston goal in the 19th minute.

Ching's first goal came after a Colorado error. Goalkeeper Preston Burpo tried to clear the ball from his own area, but it went right to Ching. He burst in between defenders and lifted the ball over the diving goalkeeper.

Casey tied the game on a deflected corner kick before Ching connected on a rebound.

Casey was ejected in the 54th minute when he earned a red card.

Chivas 3, D.C. United 0 - Alecko Eskandarian had a goal and an assist to help Chivas win in Washington.

D.C. United (10-14-3) is winless in six games and a point out of the eighth and final playoff spot.

Eskandarian, who earned the MLS Cup MVP for D.C. United in 2004, opened the scoring in the 35th minute.

Crew 1, Galaxy 0 - Alejandro Moreno scored his career-best ninth goal and host Columbus beat Los Angeles in David Beckham's Crew Stadium debut.

Toronto FC 3, Red Bulls 1 - Chad Barrett scored two goals to lift Toronto FC to victory over New York in East Rutherford, N.J.