The defender's first goal this season, and the second in his MLS career, came on a bicycle kick seconds into the second half, snapping a 1-1 tie. It helped the expansion Sounders (7-3-7) extend their MLS unbeaten streak to five games (3-0-2).
They moved within three points of the Dynamo (9-4-4), who sit atop the Western Conference.
Brad Davis scored to put Houston up 1-0 in the 12th minute, but Fredy Montero scored the equalizer in the 32nd minute, setting the stage for what would be the game-winner by Ianni.
Houston's Mike Chabala appeared to clear the ball off the goal line, but the linesman ruled the ball crossed it, giving Montero a goal in each of his last five games.
Copyright 2009 by United Press International.
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