Sporting close gap in MLS

Sporting Kansas City closed the gap to Western Conference leaders Dallas, while the Portland Timbers claimed an important MLS win on Saturday.

A Felipe Gutierrez goal was enough to see Sporting to a 1-0 victory over Orlando City in Kansas.

Gutierrez produced a fine low finish from 20 yards in the 53rd minute for the only goal of the game.

The result moved Peter Vermes' Sporting up into second and to within a point of conference leaders Dallas.

Elsewhere, David Villa's late goal secured a 1-1 draw for New York City at home to DC United.