Washington , Oct 20: Kenny Cooper scored early and the Portland Timbers preserved their Major League Soccer playoff chances with a 1-1 draw at D.C. United on Wednesday.
After Dwayne De Rosario equalized in the second half for D.C., Timbers goalie Troy Perkins made two late point-blank saves to preserve the draw and eliminate United (9-12-12) from from postseason contention.
The Timbers (11-14-8) are only barely alive, needing New York to lose at home to Philadelphia on Thursday and then win their own finale at Salt Lake on Saturday. Portland could tie New York in the standings with a win and a Red Bulls draw, but would need to make up a 12-goal differential in the process.
