Seattle Sounders hold on for narrow win over Portland Timbers

An early goal and a first-half penalty saw Seattle Sounders complete a 2-1 win over Portland Timbers in Major League Soccer on Sunday.

The Sounders took the lead in the sixth minute as the Timbers failed to clear a loose ball in the box, and Obafemi Martins pounced on the ball to drill an effort past Adam Kwarasey.

The visitors came close to a response when Diego Valeri lifted a cross into the box and Liam Ridgewell guided the ball into the path of Jack Jewsbury, but he headed his effort past the post.

Seattle doubled their lead just before the break when they were awarded a penalty as Martins was brought down by Kwarasey. Brad Evans took the spot kick and fired his strike into the net.

Portland were back in it just before the hour mark as Valeri's corner was bundled over the line from close range by Jewsbury to make it 2-1.

The hosts had to withstand late pressure to secure the win, with Portland coming closest to an equaliser in the final minute when Dairon Asprilla let fly from outside the box, his effort missing to the right by inches.

Four minutes of nervy stoppage time followed, but Portland held on for maximum points.