Josef Martinez continued his incredible form to lead Atlanta United to another win in MLS, while the Seattle Sounders climbed the table on Friday.
Martinez scored in a 12th straight MLS game to see Atlanta to a 1-0 victory over Orlando City in Florida.
The Venezuela international exchanged passes with Ezequiel Barco and curled an effort into the bottom corner on the hour-mark.
It continued Martinez's amazing run and was his 22nd goal in MLS this season, Atlanta winning a fourth straight league game and pulling three points clear atop the Eastern Conference.
Of course it's him! @josefmartinez17 scores his 22nd goal of the season. #ORLvATL // Heineken #RivalryWeek pic.twitter.com/Jx8cDKED04
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 24, 2019
The Sounders jumped into second in the Western Conference courtesy of a 2-1 win over the Portland Timbers in Oregon.
Cristian Roldan tapped in the opener midway through the first half before Raul Ruidiaz side-footed in a Jordan Morris cross in the 47th minute.
Wow. That was quick. @SoundersFC double their lead early in the second half!#PORvSEA // Heineken #RivalryWeek pic.twitter.com/2rUoCHwE9N
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 24, 2019
Diego Valeri's deflected 54th-minute free-kick brought Portland back into the derby clash, but they were unable to find an equaliser.
Portland are seventh in the Western Conference.