FC Dallas earned a victory over the Portland Timbers in an ill-tempered MLS game that saw both sides play most of the match with 10 men.
Diego Valeri threatened twice early on for the visitors as Dallas needed to be on their mettle to stay on level terms.
However, the biggest talking point of the first period was what led to the dismissal of both Je-Vaughn Watson and Michael Harrington on 40 minutes for fighting.
In the third minute of first-half stoppage time, Dallas edged ahead when Blas Perez headed hom, beyond the reach of Andrew Weber.
Portland were level on 67 minutes when Matt Hedges put the ball through his own net.
However, Dallas scored a crucial second with six minutes remaining through Mauro Diaz as the game opened up. It proved enough for the Texas club to hold on for victory.
Chris O'Keefe
