MLS: Orlando well beaten by Atlanta, Portland edge Vancouver
Atlanta United gave Gonzalo Pineda his first win as head coach with an emphatic defeat of Orlando City in Major League Soccer on Friday.
Atlanta United beat Orlando City 3-0 on Friday to earn a crucial win in their pursuit of an MLS play-off spot, in what was Gonzalo Pineda's first victory as the Five Stripes' head coach.
Atlanta level with D.C. United after comprehensive victory
George Campbell headed home the opener in the 25th minute for his first MLS goal and Atlanta benefitted from an own goal by Daryl Dike in the 38th.
Ezequiel Barco ended any suspense by netting in the 72nd minute after taking a long ball and working his way laterally across the penalty area before firing home with his right foot.
The emphatic win leaves Atlanta level on points with D.C. United, who remain seventh in the Eastern Conference on goal differential.
Veselinovic's own goal wins it for Portland in Vancouver clash
In Western Conference play, Portland defeated Vancouver 1-0 thanks to a 66th-minute own goal by Ranko Veselinovic.
Felipe Mora's low drive from the right side got past Vancouver goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau and appeared headed for the net, but it was Veselinovic who made sure it got there with a failed clearance.
Portland moved past Minnesota and into fifth in the conference with the victory, while Vancouver remained just outside play-off position, one point adrift of Real Salt Lake.