MLS: New England 2, Kansas City 0

FOXBOROUGH, Mass., Aug. 2 (UPI) -- Pat Noonan continued his resurgence by scoring the game-winning goal Thursday night as New England downed Kansas City, 2-0.

Noonan celebrated his 27th birthday with his fifth goal in the last eight games. He missed most of last year due to hernia surgery and a second operation this spring caused him to get off to a slow start this season.

New England opened a four-point lead over Kansas City at the top of the Eastern Conference. Houston has a one-point advantage over New England for the best record in MLS.

Noonan's goal came in the 55th minute and Adam Cristman added an insurance goal in the game's closing moments.