Sebastian Blanco and Diego Valeri both scored for the Portland Timbers as they beat Real Salt Lake 2-1 for their third win in a row.
Major League Soccer: Sebastian Blanco (34′) Real Salt Lake 0-1 Portland Timbers
The Portland Timbers have completed the transfer of forward Brian Fernandez from Necaxa, multiple sources have confirmed to ESPN FC.
While multiple outlets reported in recent weeks have reported that the terms of the deal had been finalized, the Athletic was first to report that the transfer is complete, with Fernandez securing his work visa in the last few days.
The sources didn’t divulge the precise fee, but they did reveal that it dwarfs the previous club record of close to $5 million the Timbers…
Liga MX action returns to action following the international break and there are plenty of storylines as the 2018 Apertura begins the second half of the season. Here is what we’ll be watching: 
Believe it or not, we’re at the halfway point of the 2018 Apertura regular season. With an international break underway after Week 8’s matches, we now have an opportunity to take a step back and analyze what we’ve seen so far in Mexico’s top flight.
Veracruz drama cure for crisis-ridden Chivas?
Coming off a Copa MX title, Necaxa have turned things over to 31-year-old Marcelo Michel Leano.
Carlos Pena failed to score in 10 appearances for Cruz Azul.
Jonathan Gonzalez is battling Monterrey teammate Arturo Gonzalez for his starting spot.
Manneh’s move from Columbus in MLS to Liga MX will be one of the most intriguing this Clausura.
It was another great season for Tigres, who have won the Apertura three seasons in a row.