Toronto climbed up to fifth in the MLS Eastern Conference with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Portland Timbers at BMO Field this morning.

Italy international Sebastian Giovinco scored the only goal of the game in the opening stages to give Greg Vanney's side a fourth victory from 10 outings.

Giovinco continues to go from strength to strength since his pre-season switch from Juventus, bringing his total for the campaign to five with a fine left-footed strike from range.

The 28-year-old needed only five minutes to further endear himself to the Canadian side, taking aim from well outside the box to leave Adam Kwarasey with no chance.

Former Aston Villa striker Luke Moore looked to overshadow Giovinco with a similarly audacious effort on 27 minutes, though his attempt whistled narrowly over the bar.

The Timbers, who have lost two of their last four on the road, struggled to establish a foothold in the game and Giovinco looked like doubling Toronto's lead, but Kwarasey tipped his effort past the post.

Caleb Porter's side started the second half brightly and twice came close through Jorge Villafana and Darlington Nagbe within two minutes of the restart.

The visitors continued to make inroads toward a leveller and Chris Konopka did well to deny Rodney Wallace on the hour mark.

Portland continued to toil in Toronto's half for much of the second period, but struggled to create the opportunities necessary to draw level as the hosts held on.