The Portland Timbers have earned their fourth win in a row in the MLS after defeating the Houston Dynamo 2-0 at Providence Park.

The home side threatened in the early stages of the match through Gaston Fernandez as the forward weaved his way past three defenders before putting his strike inches past the post.

Portland continued to have the better of the openings as Will Johnson tried his luck from 30 yards and his effort forced Tyler Deric into a leaping save to keep the ball out of the net.

The Timbers took the lead in the 34th minute when Jorge Villafana lifted a free kick into the box and Maximiliano Urruti powered his header past Deric from close range.

Alvas Powell almost doubled his side's lead but he was denied by Deric after the defender's curling effort looked to be finding the top corner.

In the second half, Portland were handed the chance to extend their advantage when Rodney Wallace was brought down in the box and a penalty was awarded. Fernandez took the spot kick and buried his effort after sending Deric the wrong way.

The Timbers almost added a third when Villafana's free kick into the area was flicked on by Wallace, but Liam Ridgewell failed to turn the ball on target from inside the six-yard box.

Houston made a late surge to get a consolation goal, but the Timbers' defence held firm to keep a clean sheet to help their side secure the victory.