Diego Valeri wins it for the Portland Timbers

Portland Timbers have maintained their charge for a playoff place in the MLS Western Conference with a tight 1-0 win over the Colorado Rapids.

Caleb Porter's men now occupy third place, three points behind leaders Seattle Sounders, and six clear of sixth-placed FC Dallas.

However, they have played one game more than the Texan outfit.

The only goal of the game at Jeld-Wen Field came in the 13th minute, when Rodney Wallace's interception found Diego Valeri, who then lobbed the ball over a helpless Clinton Irwin.

Edson Buddle squandered a chance to equalise from Martin Rivero's corner two minutes later.

Maximiliano Urruti and Wallace missed opportunities to put the game beyond doubt in the second half, but the Timbers managed to hang on for all three points.

The result sees the Rapids drop to fourth in the Western Conference, one point behind the Oregon outfit.