Kei Kamara’s first-half penalty kick, his club-leading seventh goal of the season, had Sporting KC even with Houston at the half. But Peterson Joseph ended Sporting KC’s cause for celebration when he was given a red card in the second minute of stoppage time after an overzealous tackle on Calen Carr.

Carr, who scored Houston’s first goal in the 25th minute, made Sporting KC pay in the 79th minute when he put Houston ahead off of what would be the game-winning score.

Sporting KC (11-6-3, 36 points) remains in first place despite the loss, and will return home on Saturday after playing three road matches in eight days.

Sporting KC will host the New England Revolution at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Livestrong Sporting Park.