Late Lassiter strike lifts Portland Timbers to 3-2 season-opening win over Columbus Crew at Providence Park

Timbers begin 2026 with home victory in a five-goal opener

The Portland Timbers opened their 2026 Major League Soccer regular season with a 3-2 win over the Columbus Crew on Saturday night at Providence Park, sealed by an 88th-minute winner from Ariel Lassiter. The result delivered Portland’s first three points of the new campaign in a match that swung twice before the late finish settled it.

Match timeline: early Crew lead, Portland turnaround, then a first-half equalizer

Columbus struck first in the sixth minute when Wessam Abou Ali scored unassisted to put the Crew ahead. Portland responded quickly. Felipe Mora equalized in the 14th minute, finishing a move that included assists credited to Gage Guerra and Diego Chará.

The Timbers then went in front in the 20th minute through Antony Alves Santos, with newcomer Cole Bassett registering the assist. Columbus levelled before halftime when Diego Rossi scored in the 44th minute, with Abou Ali and Malte Amundsen credited with the assists, sending the teams to the break tied 2-2.

Decisive moment: Lassiter’s 88th-minute winner

With the match still locked late, Lassiter scored the only goal of the second half in the 88th minute to make it 3-2. The play included assists from Kevin Kelsy and defender Jimer Fory, giving Portland a late edge that held through the final minutes.

• Final score: Portland Timbers 3, Columbus Crew 2
• Portland scorers: Mora (14’), Antony (20’), Lassiter (88’)
• Columbus scorers: Abou Ali (6’), Rossi (44’)

Milestones and roster notes

The opener also marked a landmark night for Diego Chará, who became the first field player in league history to make 400 starts with a single club. The match was identified as the 500th MLS game in Timbers history, with Chará’s appearances spanning the bulk of that total. Bassett’s assist on Portland’s second goal came in his debut after arriving via trade from the Colorado Rapids.

Portland’s winner arrived at 88 minutes, separating the teams after a 2-2 first half.

Goalkeeping and what comes next

In goal, Portland’s James Pantemis recorded three saves, while Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte finished with three saves. The Timbers are scheduled to play at the Colorado Rapids next Saturday, while the Crew are set to visit Sporting Kansas City next Saturday.