COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Eddie Gaven came off the injured reserve list and scored on a diving header to give the Columbus Crew a 2-1 over against D.C. United to end a six-game winless streak.
Gaven, who had been out since injuring his leg Aug. 5, returned to score his fifth goal of the season in the 60th minute after getting on the end of a crossing pass by Sebastian Miranda.
The Crew (44 points) moved past Houston into a tie with Philadelphia for second place in the Eastern Conference, a point behind Sporting Kansas City. The Union played to a 1-1 draw at Chivas USA later Sunday. Columbus was 0-5-1 in the previous six games.
Daniel Woolard gave United the lead in the 37th minute off Dwayne De Rosario's free kick from 40 yards but his own goal in the 48th minute tied it.
Chivas USA 1, Union 1
CARSON, Calif. (AP) - Juan Pablo Angel's goal in the 90th minute lifted Chivas USA.
The Union (10-7-14) took the lead in the 59th minute when Justin Mapp found space in the Chivas midfield and fired a shot from the edge of the box that was too much for goalkeeper Dan Kennedy.
After pressuring Philadelphia at the end of the match, Chivas got the tying score when Mike Lahoud connected with Angel, who was able to head the ball into the net. It was Angel's seventh goal in seven games with Chivas.
The Union moved into second place in the Eastern Conference while Chivas USA got to four points behind the New York Red Bulls for the final playoff berth.
Timbers 1, Whitecaps 0
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) - Kenny Cooper scored in the 25th minute and Portland spoiled Vancouver's debut at the newly refurbished BC Place Stadium.
The Timbers (11-13-7) took advantage of a Whitecaps mistake to score the only goal they would need as defender Alain Rochat turned the ball over at midfield. Midfielder Diego Chara fed Cooper a perfect ball and the big forward hammered a shot from the top of the box over the outstretched fingers of Vancouver goalkeeper Joe Cannon.
The Whitecaps (4-16-10) pressed for the tying goal in second half but the Portland defense was equal to the challenge.
Vancouver striker Eric Hassli missed a scoring chance on a header in the final moments, and then pounded the turf with his fist.