MLS: DC United 3 Portland Timbers 2

The Portland Timbers suffered their first home defeat of their inaugural MLS campaign on Sunday, losing 3-2 against DC United.

Perry Kitchen opened the scoring for visitors DC United in the 13th minute at Jeld-Wen Field, benefiting from a deflected Blake Brettschneider header off Chris Pontius’ throw-in.

Jack Jewsbury levelled for the Timbers with a penalty on 67 minutes.

But DC United regained the lead with a spot-kick of their own eight minutes later – attacking midfielder Pontius was the man to deliver from 12 yards out after a handball by Diego Chara.

Josh Wolff made it 3-1 to put DC further ahead with five minutes remaining.

And although Jorge Perlaza would get another back for Portland with three minutes left to ensure a tense finale, DC saw out the closing exchanges to end the newcomers’ proud opening run.

The win sees DC climb to fourth in the Eastern Conference, five points behind leaders Philadelphia.

Portland are sixth in the Western Conference, with five wins from 11 matches played.