Portland hands N.Y. playoff position

Harrison, NJ – Red Bull New York stole the position for the 0 at Red Bull Arena.

Portland entered the match sitting in the final playoff spot, just a point above New York in the wild card race.

But goals from Dane Richards and Luke Rodgers helped the Red Bulls claim the necessary three points to take them past the Timbers in the standings.

Richards provided the first goal in the 21st minute following a brilliant run. The Jamaica international collected the ball at the corner of the box and utilized his speed to beat Diego Chara. Richards got to the endline and slipped a shot under Timbers goalkeeper Troy Perkins.

Kalif Alhassan nearly equalized for Portland in the 57th minute when his shot from distance struck the crossbar. Dax McCarty cleared the ball following a scramble in the box.

New York doubled its advantage in the 66th minute. Alhassan handled the ball on the goal line and was issued a red card for denying a goal. Rodgers took the ensuing penalty and converted to provide additional insurance for the Red Bulls.

With 39 points on the year, New York (8-7-15) currently sits in fifth place in the Eastern Conference and tenth overall.

Portland (10-13-7) slips out of the playoff picture, staying in sixth place in the West with 37 points from 30 games. The Timbers also trail D.C. United, 38 points, in the playoff hunt, as it defeated Real Salt Lake 4-1 on Saturday night.

New York returns to action on Oct.1 when it travels to BMO Field to face Toronto FC. Portland will head to The Home Depot Center for its tilt against Chivas USA on Sunday, Oct. 2.