St. Louis City SC ended their winless run in MLS after a brace from Marcel Hartel secured a 2-1 victory over the Portland Timbers.

Hartel scored twice in the second half after David da Costa had given the visitors the lead at Energizer Park, with the result seeing St. Louis snap their five-match winless run.

Da Costa gave the Timbers the lead after 19 minutes when he combined with Santiago Moreno before finishing into the bottom right corner.

Hartel scored his first nine minutes into the second half, smashing the ball in off the post from close range.

Conrad Wallem's cross in the 67th minute was then headed home by Hartel for the winner, with Portland goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau failing to keep the ball out at his near post.

The Timbers missed the chance to move up to fourth in the Western Conference, while St. Louis remain in 14th.

Data Debrief: Hartel inspires rare comeback win

Hartel has a great record against the Timbers, directly contributing to six goals (three goals, three assists) in four matches in all competitions.

However, many would have expected Portland to cruise to victory after taking the lead.

St. Louis won after conceding the opening goal in the MLS for the first time since 24th September 2023 against Minnesota United (27 games without a win).