2009 MLS Cup winners Real Salt Lake powered into second spot on the Western Conference table with a 3-1 away win at New York Red Bulls on Wednesday night.
The home side were in dire need of a victory to keep their play-off hopes alive but things got off to a horror start when Alvaro Saborio brilliantly headed home Andy William's 7th minute corner.
It went from bad to worse for New York when Fabian Espindola made it 2-0 in the 11th minute by pouncing on Tim Ream's poor backpass and slotting home before the Argentine grabbed his second to essentially wrap up proceedings in the 21st minute with a super finish past Frank Rost from outside the area.
Red Bulls midfielder Joel Lindpere grabbed a consolation goal for his side in the 68th minute with a stunning side scissor from a Rafa Marquez free-kick but it was not enough to deny RSL taking home all three points and going within seven points of league leaders LA Galaxy.
For the Red Bulls, they remain fifth in the East but are three points behind third-placed Philadelphia Union who have a game in hand.
