The Houston Dynamo began their MLS campaign with a 4-0 thrashing of Atlanta United on Saturday.
Andrew Wenger, Philippe Senderos, Mauro Manotas and Darwin Ceren all scored in the first half as Atlanta's sophomore season began with a slump.
The Dynamo had the lead within five minutes as Alberth Elis shrugged off a challenge on the wing and fed Wenger in the six-yard box.
And though Juan Cabezas came off with an injury 10 minutes later, the Dynamo added a second when Senderos headed home Boniek Garcia's corner in the 23rd minute.
The game was well in hand four minutes later, as Elis played a through ball into the box that was cut out but fell to Manotas to slot home for Houston's third.