MLS wrap: Crew on move, Portland maintain hope

Columbus Crew snapped a run of three losses to move within a point of Eastern Conference leaders Sporting Kansas in the MLS on Sunday.

Robert Warzycha’s men had to fight back from a deficit to overcome DC United 2-1 in Ohio. building necessary momentum if they are to challenge for the Conference title.

While the Crew are all but assured of a spot in the playoffs due to the win, United are two points outside the top five in the Western Conference, with games in hand.

United defender Daniel Woolard fired his side ahead in the 37th minute at Columbus Crew Stadium, getting on the end of Dwayne De Rosario’s free-kick.

However, Woolard turned villain as he conceded an own-goal three minutes after the interval, before Eddie Gaven – returning after almost two months out to injury – converted Sebastian Miranda’s cross with a diving head on the hour mark to win it for Columbus.

The Portland Timbers kept alive their mathematical hopes of reaching the Western Conference wildcard playoff with a 1-0 away win over division cellar-dwellers Vancouver Whitecaps.

Timbers striker Kenny Cooper fired the game’s only goal on 24 minutes, helping Portland move within five points of fifth-placed Colorado.

Portland have a game in hand on the Rapids, but will need results to fall in their favour if they are to climb the table.

Philadelphia Union lost a gilt-edged chance to go top of the Eastern Conference when they were held by a late goal in their 1-1 draw away to Chivas USA.

Veteran Colombian striker Juan Angel scored his seventh goal in as many games for his new club, netting a 90th-minute equaliser to cancel out Union midfielder Justin Mapp’s opener just prior to the hour mark.

The point took Union into second in the East and one point from leaders Sporting Kansas, though they have a game in hand on their title rivals.