Portland reaches knockout stage after 2-1 win over Houston
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. Jeremy Ebobisse and Diego Valeri scored and the Portland Timbers clinched a spot in the knockout round of the MLS is Back tournament with a 2-1 victory over the Houston Dynamo on Saturday night. Our first goal was to reach the knockout stage, Portland coach Giovanni Savarese said. We are in a group with three difficult opponents, so every game is a must win, Houston coach Tab Ramos said. It is Ebobisse's second goal in the tournament and his second in five career matches against Houston. The Timbers opened tournament play with a 2-1 win over the LA Galaxy and have won three straight this season after dropping their opener to Minnesota.