Two of the more futile attacks in MLS hardly lit up the scoreboard at the Home Depot Center Wednesday afternoon, but one did just enough to secure a massive three points, while the other remains left searching for answers.

Miller Bolanos scored off a rebound in the 16th minute to carry Chivas USA to a 1-0 victory over the Portland Timbers. The goal was just the 12th of the season for Chivas in 18 games, but it was enough extend the club's unbeaten streak to four and put away the last-place Timbers, who are still winless away from home this season.

Chivas right winger Ryan Smith, who burned Portland for two assists in a meeting earlier this season, settled a long pass and got by Timbers left back Steven Smith, firing a shot that Troy Perkins parried right to Bolanos on the doorstep. The Ecuadorian converted from close range, recording his first MLS goal in the process.

Coming off a two-goal performance against the Los Angeles Galaxy, Kris Boyd had one of Portland's best chances late in the match, running onto Smith's ball over the top but pulling his first-time shot wide of the post. Portland fell to 0-7-2 away from Jeld-Wen Field and lost for the third straight time overall, including the last two matches under interim manager Gavin Wilkinson. 

With the win, Chivas moves up to sixth place in the West, and the Goats are within striking range of fifth place Los Angeles with a game in hand ahead of their rivalry matchup at the Home Depot Center Saturday night.

Highlights from the match are after the jump:

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What did you think of the match? What do you make of Portland's struggles? Do you think Chivas USA has what it takes to be a playoff team this season?

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