Can Columbus Crew SC ever avenge their loss to the Portland Timbers in the 2015 MLS Cup final?
It didn’t happen Sunday as the visiting Crew SC were defeated 2-1 by the Timbers in front of yet another sellout crowd at Providence Park. But there were plenty of bright spots and lots of evidence that Columbus is indeed the team to beat.
Midfielder Federico Higuain’s bicycle kick in the 68th minute was the highlight of the match and perhaps one to be considered for MLS Goal of the Year. Crew SC had great moments of possession and lots of positive stats in their column, including a large number of shots (19), corner kicks (8), and saves (6) with the latter being the result of a solid performance from Columbus keeper Steve Clark.
An inspired performance from Portland saw midfielder Diego Valeri and forward Fanendo Adi score crucial goals in the 23rd and 79th minutes respectively. Crew SC tried to equalize late, throwing men forward and making creative substitutions, but they were unable to secure the draw. Forward Conor Casey would even make his Columbus debut, coming on for defender and captain Michael Parkhurst.
The loss to the Timbers is just one game in the marathon season that is MLS and Crew SC have to turn their attention to their own home opener at MAPFRE Stadium on Saturday, March 12th. They face the Philadelphia Union, a team that is reeling from a 2-0 defeat at the hands of FC Dallas on #SoccerSunday.
