Hairston's deft curler extends Rapids' record unbeaten streak

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. - Marlon Hairston scored, U.S. national team star Tim Howard had his second shutout in three games with Colorado and the Rapids beat Sporting Kansas City 1-0 to extend their franchise-record unbeaten streak to 14 games.

Colorado (10-2-7) hasn't lost since April 9.

Hairston, who came on for Marco Pappa in the 62nd minute, deflected a Sporting pass, then took a feed from Dillon Powers and curled a right-footer from just outside the box into the top-right corner of the net.

Howard, playing in his third MLS game since 2003, had three saves. He played the last 13 seasons in the English Premier League, the last 10 with Everton.

Sporting (8-10-4) has lost two in a row after a five-game unbeaten streak.

The Rapids have won five in a row against Kansas City.