Chivas USA 1-1 Portland Timbers: Timbers stumble in playoff race

Despite dominating possession and passing, the Portland Timbers were only able to manage a 1-1 draw with Chivas USA.

The Goats took the lead in the 23rd minute. Carlos Borja's cross was redirected into the upper corner of the net via a looping header from Bryan De La Fuente.

Diego Valeri, so effective for Portland this season, came on as a substitute and equalized shortly into the second half. A good team move which involved Valeri holding off a defender to retain the ball came to Jose Valencia inside the box. He muscled off the Chivas defenders and dropped a ball for Valeri to smash in from the edge of the area.

The draw leaves the Timbers on 43 points, in the fifth and final playoff spot with a three-point advantage over FC Dallas. Chivas USA remains last in the West.