Timbers beef up on defense and beat Earthquakes

Mamadou Danso of the Portland Timbers celebrates his 2nd half goal with Jack Jewsbury

PORTLAND, Oregon    ●   Danny Mwanga and Jack Jewsbury each scored as the Portland Timbers tightened their sagging defense in a 2-1 win over the league-leading San Jose Earthquakes on Tuesday.

The Timbers exhibited an attack that was lacking in Saturday’s 3-0 loss at Colorado and the defense limited the damage from an inevitable San Jose second-half charge. The Earthquakes, with the best record in the MLS, played a patient but not particularly aggressive game, scoring their only goal after a quick restart where Portland seemed to lose focus.

Alan Gordon scored a consolation goal for San Jose in the 74th minute when Portland didn’t get back fast enough after Songo’o was carted off with a leg injury.

At Houston, the Dynamo remained unbeaten at home with a 0-0 draw against the Chicago Fire.

The Dynamo had two shots on goal at their new downtown stadium, BBVA Compass Stadium. Houston played without star midfielder Geoff Cameron, who was a late scratch with a left hamstring injury.

Tally Hall stopped the Fire’s lone shot on goal in the first half.