MLS: Portland 1 Chivas USA 0

The Portland Timbers made it back-to-back wins in the MLS with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Chivas USA on Wednesday.

A header from defender Eric Brunner just before the interval proved to be the difference between the sides at Jeld-Wen Field, helping the Timbers into sixth in the Western Conference.

The visiting Chivas had gone within inches of the opener on 18 minutes when Frenchman Laurent Courtois had a powerful strike from 20 yards tipped over by Portland goalkeeper Troy Perkins.

Portland defender David Horst also went close at the other end, only for Dan Kennedy to produce a fine save from his header.

The Timbers had the lead before the break as Brunner rose highest at the near post to glance a powerful header past Kennedy.

The visitors should have stolen a late point when Courtois had another chance in the third minute of added time, but he hit his shot wide from six yards.

The win sent the Timbers above the seventh-placed Chivas, who are winless in their last three outings.