Nikola Petkovic scores first MLS goal to help Charlotte beat Timbers 2-0

By The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Nikola Petkovic scored his first MLS goal, Enzo Copetti also scored and FC Charlotte beat the Portland Timbers 2-0. Kristijan Kahlina stopped three shots, and had his third shutout of the season, for Charlotte (4-5-2). Charlotte went in having lost back-to-back games and won for just the second time in last six matches. Petkovic took a pass from Nathan Byrne near the corner of the penalty area, paused briefly before exploding past two defenders and scoring with a side-footer from the center of the area to make it 1-0 in the 54th minute. Copetti capped the scoring in the first minutes of stoppage time, his first goal of the season. Portland (2-5-4) is winless in eight consecutive games after winning two of its first three to open the season.