MLS wrap: Dynamo move second, Rapids held

The Houston Dynamo beat Portland Timbers 2-0 on Friday to move them closer to an MLS Eastern Conference post-season spot.

Canadian defender Andre Hainault fired home the opening goal on 36 minutes, before Daniel Cruz doubled the Dynamo’s lead prior to the hour mark at Jeld-Wen Field in Oregon.

The win moves the Dynamo second in the East on 46 points, one point shy of leaders Philadelphia Union.

The Timbers blew their chance to stay within touch of the Western Conference top-five, as they fell six points behind Colorado (fifth) and are now only a mathematical chance of edging into the playoffs.

The Colorado Rapids could have officially ended Portland’s post-season hopes but they were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Real Salt Lake.

It was Salt Lake’s first point in five matches and they sit three points clear of FC Dallas in third spot.

Colorado need just a point in their final regular-season game against the Vancouver Whitecaps to advance to the playoffs, however anything but two wins from Portland’s final matches would see the Rapids progress.