MLS wrap: Timbers tough it out over Sporting KC

Portland Timbers have extended their unbeaten run to six matches in the MLS with a 3-2 win away to Sporting Kansas City.

In a scintillating clash, Portland had to come from behind twice in the first half but eventually got their noses in front of Sporting 13 minutes after the break through a goal from Rodney Wallace.

The Timbers moved up to third in the MLS’ Western Conference, while Sporting sit fourth in the Eastern Conference after losing their second-straight game.

Kansas City started brilliantly in front of their home crowd on Saturday with a goal in the opening minute from Chance Myers.

The hosts launched the ball forward from the opening kick-off and after Portland’s defence cleared the ball out of play, Sporting’s Michael Harrington launched his throw in into the penalty area and Myers headed the ball into the net to send the home crowd crazy.

Portland hit the bar four minutes later and then saw Ryan Johnson’s shot charged down by Sporting goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen, before deservedly drawing level in the 24th minute.

Nielsen initially tipped Wallace’s rasping drive past the post but the big Dane had no answer to Johnson’s header from the resultant corner.

Myers gave Kansas City the lead again in the 29th minute when he tapped the ball home from a well-worked set-play but the Timbers were level 12 minutes before half-time.

Diego Valeri released Johnson down the left and the Jamaican striker sprinted into the box before squaring the ball to Darlington Nagbe, who scored, while Wallace claimed all three points for Portland when he slotted the winner in the 58th minute.

Portland moved above Chivas USA in the Western Conference, after the Los Angeles-based side drew 2-2 with the San Jose Earthquakes.

Montreal Impact moved to the top of the Eastern Conference with a 2-0 win over Chicago Fire thanks to goals from Andres Romero and Marco Di Vaio, while Western Conference-leaders FC Dallas were held to a 2-2 draw by the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Columbus Crew scored three goals in the first half to thump DC United 3-0 and reigning MLS champions Los Angeles Galaxy claimed a 2-0 victory away to Real Salt Lake.

In other results, Houston Dynamo drew 1-1 with the Colorado Rapids, New England Revolution knocked off Philadelphia Union 2-0 and a double from Tim Cahill saw the New York Red Bulls overcome Toronto FC 2-1.