Portland Timbers reach fifth with win over San Jose Earthquakes

The Portland Timbers have climbed to fifth in the Western Conference thanks to a comfortable 3-0 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes at Providence Park.

From the first whistle, it was Portland who were on top, and they came close to taking an early lead when Rodney Wallace's header was kept out by Jon Busch.

The Earthquakes were forced onto the back foot for long spells of the game, but could have been ahead midway through the first half had Adam Jahn managed to find the target with a free header.

Portland would punish San Jose for missing their best chance when Wallace fired home from a tight angle in the 41st minute after being picked out by Darlington Nagbe.

The hosts were gifted the chance to double their advantage just after the break when Wallace was brought down inside the box by Jason Hernandez, allowing Diego Valeri to convert his side's second of the game from 12 yards.

Busch was forced to produce some impressive stops to prevent the Portland lead from being extended, with both Wallace and Diego Chara seeing efforts saved.

However, the San Jose shot-stopper was unable to keep out Valeri, who completed the win in style with an emphatic finish at the end of an incisive counter-attack.