Juan Mosquera scores early goal, Portland Timbers down Sporting KC

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Juan Mosquera scored an early goal and the Portland Timbers defeated Sporting Kansas City 1-0 Monday night in a game postponed due to snow and cold temperatures.

Mosquera scored his first MLS career goal in the sixth minute. The Colombia defender signed with the Timbers last season and featured in three games.

Mosquera’s goal was Portland’s 600th in MLS since joining the league in 2011. Giovanni Savarese earned his 69th win with the team, becoming Portland’s most successful manager.

“For me it was a great feeling to be able to help the team because of course the goal allowed us to get the first three points of the year,” Mosquera said through a translator. “So I just hope I can keep going like this and for me the most important thing is to be able to help the team.”

The game was originally scheduled for Major League Soccer’s opening day on Saturday, but a rare snowstorm dumped more than six inches of snow on downtown Portland earlier in the week. That, combined with freezing temperatures, forced the postponement.

Monday was still cold, with temperatures hovering around freezing and occasional sleet.

The Timbers missed the playoffs last season and finished eighth in the Western Conference. During the off-season, they added Brazilian midfielder Evander, who started against Sporting.

Portland was injured when winger Yimmi Chara was injured in the first half and replaced by Santiago Moreno. Portland started David Bingham in goal while last season’s starter Aljaz Ivacic was out with a hand injury.

After the game, Savarese said Chara suffered a hamstring injury and will likely be out for several weeks.

Sporting dominated possession in the second half. Daniel Salloi had a good opportunity for Kansas City in the 76th minute, but Bingham ducked to save. Bingham finished with four saves.

“We were all over their goal, all over them,” said Sporting coach Peter Vermes. “Unfortunately we couldn’t get anyone in.”

Sporting KC also missed the playoffs last season, finishing 12th in the west.

Striker Alan Pulido, who was doubtful for the game with a knee injury, did not play. In the off-season there were rumors that Pulido could join Chivas in Liga MX.

Sports captain Johnny Russell is also out due to a hamstring injury.

Kansas City leads the all-time streak with the Timbers 8-6-6.

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