The Portland Timbers secured a dramatic 3-2 victory in their 2026 opener on home turf, overcoming an early setback against Columbus Crew. After conceding a goal in the opening minutes during a rainy matchup, the Timbers bounced back with determined offense to claim three points and start the season positively.
Early Deficit and Timbers’ Response in the First Half
In the sixth minute, Columbus took advantage of a misplayed pass from Timbers defender Alex Bonetig, allowing Wessam Abou Ali to slip past Finn Surman and score on goalkeeper James Pantemis. This quick goal cast a shadow over the stadium amid the downpour. However, Portland’s Felipe Mora reignited the crowd eight minutes later, converting a volley from forward Gage Guerra to even the score in the 20th minute. Mora’s goal marked a promising sign after a goalless second half of the previous season.
Shortly after, newly acquired midfielder Cole Bassett provided a cross-field pass, setting up Antony to net a low shot from the right flank and give Portland a 2-1 lead. The Timbers held the advantage for nearly half an hour until Columbus striker Diego Rossi found the net in the 44th minute, leveling the match just before halftime. A disallowed goal for Timbers forward Kristoffer Velde prevented a wider lead before the break.
Second Half Struggles and a Decisive Late Goal
The second half saw fewer clear opportunities for Portland, aside from a corner kick that Bassett headed on target in the 86th minute. Columbus maintained possession for much of the half but failed to breach Portland’s defense or beat Pantemis in goal.
Then, in the 88th minute, Ariel Lassister emerged as the hero, scoring his first regular-season goal for the Timbers. Assisted by Kevin Kelsy, who cleverly redirected a cross from Jimmer Fory amid heavy traffic, Lassister finished with precision to secure the winning goal. This late strike sealed a hard-fought 3-2 victory, ending any doubts about Portland’s ability to rebound from the early deficit.
Looking Forward to Upcoming Matches
With this win, the Timbers start their campaign at 1-0-0, gathering three points on matchday one. Columbus Crew, now at 0-1-0, must regroup after the loss. Portland’s next challenge will take them on the road to Commerce City, Colorado, for their first away game against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday, where they will look to build on this comeback success.
“Phil Neville’s leadership is all about resilience and delivering when it counts.” ?Tyson Alger, Journalist
