PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 17 (UPI) -- Diego Chara and Kenny Cooper had first-half goals Friday and Portland rolled to a 3-0 win over New England.
The Timbers (10-12-6) won for the third time in four matches and jumped past D.C. United into the final playoff position in MLS. United, however, has played three fewer games than Portland.
Chara scored in the ninth minute by working his way past three defenders and putting a shot by goalkeeper Matt Reis.
Cooper's goal came in the 32nd minute. He merely redirected a pass that sailed across the front of the goal from Mike Chabala.
Darlington Nagbe also scored in the 66th minute. It was his second of the year.
New England (5-12-12) remained tied with Chicago and Toronto for the final three spots in the Eastern Conference.
