PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Kévin Denkey scored early to spark a three-goal first half and FC Cincinnati hung on to beat the Portland Timbers 3-2 on Saturday night to take over first place in the Eastern Conference and Supporters' Shield races.

Denkey needed just 10 minutes to score unassisted and give Cincinnati (16-7-4) the lead after the club hadn't scored in its previous two matches. He has 12 goals in his first 23 appearances in the league.

Pavel Bucha scored unassisted for his third goal 15 minutes later to put Cincinnati up 2-0.

Evander da Silva Ferreira scored against his former teammates in the 36th minute for a three-goal advantage. It was the 15th goal for Evander, matching his career high set last season with the Timbers. He had 24 goals and 19 assists in his two seasons in Portla

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