MLS Roundup: Red Bulls book playoff spot; Union keep hope alive
Felipe and Damien Perrinelle scored 3 minutes apart late in the first half and the New York Red Bulls beat the Portland Timbers 2-0 on Sunday to become the first MLS team to clinch a playoff spot.
New York (14-8-6) moved into first place in the Eastern Conference, a point ahead of Columbus. The Red Bulls have won three of four and 11 of 14.
Portland (11-10-8) remained sixth in the Western Conference, a point ahead of San Jose for the last Western Conference playoff spot. The Timbers are winless in four games.
Felipe opened the scoring in the 43rd minute. After receiving a throw-in near midfield, the midfielder slowly dribbled toward the goal. With no defenders applying pressure, Felipe had time to measure his shot from 30 yards and blasted the ball over goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey for his third goal of the season.
A few minutes later, Perrinelle jumped to head a floating shot over Kwarasey.
Luis Robles made four saves for his ninth shutout of the season.
Philadelphia Union 2 -- Houston Dynamo 0
Tranquillo Barnetta scored his first MLS goal and had an assist to help Philadelphia beat Houston.
Philadelphia (9-15-6) snapped a four-game home winless streak and pulled with three points back of sixth-place Montreal for the final playoff position in the Eastern Conference.
Houston (9-12-8) remained six points out of the final postseason spot in the Western Conference.
C.J. Sapong also scored.
