Ariel Lassiter’s 88th-minute winner lifts Portland Timbers past Columbus Crew 3-2 in season opener

Late strike settles five-goal match in Portland

The Portland Timbers opened their 2026 MLS regular season with a 3-2 home victory over the Columbus Crew on Saturday, Feb. 21, at Providence Park, decided by an 88th-minute goal from Ariel Lassiter. The result placed Portland at 1-0-0 (three points) after the opening weekend, while Columbus began 0-0-1.

The match featured early scoring, a rapid response from Portland, and a late decisive moment after Columbus had twice taken the lead or pulled level. Portland finished with 45.7% possession to Columbus’ 54.3%, while shot attempts were 15-12 in favor of the Crew. Portland recorded six shots on target to Columbus’ four, with corners 8-6 to Columbus.

How the goals arrived

Columbus struck first in the sixth minute through Wessam Abou Ali. Portland responded quickly: Felipe Mora equalized in the 14th minute, and Antony put the Timbers ahead at 20 minutes to swing momentum early in the first half. Columbus drew level before the break when Diego Rossi scored in the 44th minute, sending the teams into halftime tied 2-2.

After a second half without a breakthrough for most of the period, Lassiter’s 88th-minute finish delivered the winning margin and completed Portland’s comeback narrative for opening night.

• 6’ Columbus: Wessam Abou Ali
• 14’ Portland: Felipe Mora
• 20’ Portland: Antony
• 44’ Columbus: Diego Rossi
• 88’ Portland: Ariel Lassiter

What it means for Portland and Columbus

For Portland, the win provides an immediate points cushion in the Western Conference and sets an early baseline for a squad that began the year with new-season expectations at home. The Timbers’ ability to answer an early concession and then close the match late stood out in a game where Columbus carried more of the ball and generated more total attempts.

For Columbus, the opening loss came despite edging possession and attempts, and despite scoring twice away from home. The Crew left with no points, though the underlying match totals reflected a contest decided by late execution rather than one-way control.

Final: Portland Timbers 3, Columbus Crew 2 — decided by Ariel Lassiter’s goal in the 88th minute.

Key game numbers

• Possession: Portland 45.7% — Columbus 54.3%
• Shots (attempts): Portland 12 — Columbus 15
• Shots on target: Portland 6 — Columbus 4
• Corners: Portland 6 — Columbus 8
• Saves: Portland 2 — Columbus 3