MLS: Houston 2 Portland 1

The Houston Dynamo moved a step closer to the MLS playoffs with a 2-1 victory over the Portland Timbers on Sunday.

Dynamo moved to 31 points in the Eastern Conference with the victory, level with the third-placed New York Red Bulls, but outside the top three on goal difference.

Adam Moffat opened the scoring in style for the hosts at Corbin J. Robertson Stadium in Texas, launching a long-range strike into the top-right corner on 17 minutes.

Brian Ching doubled Houston’s lead 10 minutes later, curling a strike past Timbers goalkeeper Troy Perkins and into the side netting.

Jack Jewsbury pulled a goal back for the visitors in the 56th minute, when his deflected shot from on the penalty spot beat Houston shot-topper Tally Hall.

The Timbers remain in seventh spot in the Western Conference, the result putting an end to their three-game unbeaten streak.