MLS wrap: Sporting KC back on top, Fire topple Real Salt Lake

Sporting Kansas City regained the lead in the MLS Eastern Conference on Wednesday with a 2-1 home win over Columbus Crew.

The hosts took the lead after 15 minutes through a penalty from Kei Kamara after Chad Marshall fouled CJ Sapong in the box, but Venezuelan striker Emilio Renteria had the Crew back on level terms nine minutes before half-time.

The second half saw both sides with chances to break the deadlock, but in the end it was an own goal from Columbus defender Julius James that secured all three points for the hosts at Livestrong Sporting Park.

The win moved Kansas City two points clear of Houston Dynamo in the Eastern Conference standings, with the Crew a further point behind in third.

Elsewhere on Wednesday, the Chicago Fire kept alive their slim playoff chances with a 3-0 win over Real Salt Lake on the road.

Guatemalan midfielder Marco Pappa scored a hat-trick in the win, as Chicago spoiled the comeback party for Real midfielder Javier Morales, who was making his first appearance since horrifically breaking his ankle in May.