Vancouver Whitecaps missed the chance to overhaul LA Galaxy at the top of the MLS Western Conference, while the East's chasing pack increased the pressure on DC United.
After Galaxy (46 points) lost Friday's California Clasico 1-0 at San Jose Earthquakes, Vancouver (45) knew a draw would be enough for them to claim pole position in the West's standings but Houston Dynamo denied them on Saturday.
Ricardo Clark and Raul Rodriguez scored the goals in Houston's 2-0 win, while the Whitecaps finished the match with just nine players as Kendall Waston and Matias Laba received second yellow cards after half-time.
The Dynamo had not won in three league matches but were unbeaten in five games at their BBVA Compass Stadium, with Clark continuing Houston's strong form at home when he pounced on a loose ball in the penalty area in the 34th minute.
Rodriguez capped off Houston's win with a header with three minutes left.
Federico Higuain put the Crew in front with a header from a corner after just nine minutes but the hosts were level by the half-hour mark thanks to Andrew Jacobson's 20-yard drive.
