VIDEO: Vela strike not enough for LAFC to snap Portland's streak

Carlos Vela produced a moment on magic on Saturday, but it wasn't enough for his Los Angeles FC side to claim a win over the red-hot Portland Timbers, who used a late Samuel Armenteros rocket to take a 2-1 victory in a battle of Western Conference powers. 

Portland had opened the scoring just after the break, when a Diego Valeri free-kick forced a rebound in front of Tyler Miller's goal. 

Cristhian Paredes was on hand to net his first MLS goal, putting the home side out in front. 

It would take over 20 minutes for Vela to come up with an answer, but the goal was well worth the wait. 

The Mexico international's goal came with the help of Portland goalkeeper Jeff Attinella, who was caught leaning a bit close to his near post. 

Vela took advantage, curling a lovely dipping shot to the back stick and leaving Attinella grasping at air as the ball flew in over his outstretched arms. 

Portland would get the final laugh however. 

Armenteros came up with a left-footed bomb of his own, firing home from 20-yard out to put the home side in front for good. 

It was a first goal for Armenteros with Portland, and the celebration run showed just how pleased he was to get on the score sheet. 

The win is the fifth in a row for the Timbers, who are still perfect on their home patch in 2018.

The result leaves LAFC second in the West, with the Timbers just three points back and holding a game in hand. 

Portland will be back in action next Saturday against the Colorado Rapids, with LAFC returning to the pitch that same day against D.C. United. 

In other MLS action, David Villa was honored for his 400th career goal ahead of scoring a double to help New York City FC to a 4-0 win over the Colorado Rapids. 

Kei Kemara's late penalty earned the Vancouver Whitecaps a share of the points after the club had fallen two goals behind to FC Dallas. 

Lalas Abubakar's late goal handed the Columbus Crew a 1-0 win over the New England Revolution, the Philadelphia Union ran riot in a 4-1 win over Real Salt Lake and D.C. United ended its road struggles with a 3-1 win in San Jose against the Earthquakes.