Portland Timbers close in on fifth-placed Colorado Rapids

Portland Timbers have moved level on points with Colorado Rapids in the race for a playoff spot by beating Chivas USA 2-0 this morning.

First-half goals from Diego Valeri and Rodney Wallace proved enough for the Timbers to claim the victory and move joint-fifth with Colorado as the race to the MLS Cup heats up.

Caleb Porter's side enjoyed an ideal start to the encounter as Valeri fired the Timbers ahead on 10 minutes.

Wallace, who bagged an assist for the opener, then doubled Portland's advantage on 39 minutes, slotting home to end a 10-month goal drought.

Valeri came within millimetres of adding a third midway through the second half, but his curling effort drifted narrowly wide of the post.