Columbus Crew SC came into tonight’s game looking at the real prospect of competing for the Supporters’ Shield and home advantage for the playoffs, but a Portland Timbers team with their own playoff ambitions dealt Columbus their second consecutive home defeat with a well-deserved 2-1 victory.
After an even start to the game Portland took the lead on 28 minutes with their first-ever goal in Columbus. Waylon Francis’ misplaced pass found Darlington Nagbe, who ran at the Crew defense and dinked a through ball for Fanendo Adi to apply a cool finish past Steve Clark.
Columbus responded on 43 minutes from the reliable source of Kei Kamara’s head. Higuain delivered a near post corner and Karmara beat a static Wallace to head home his 22nd of the season.
The key to the first half was Portland’s ability in transition, with quick direct play leading to chances and Columbus’ inability to stop this. Nagbe was Portland’s standout player with his ability to run with the ball deep into the Crew half and setting up countless attacking opportunities.
As the second half started Adi scored his second of the game and consequently the winning goal in the 50th minute, again from transition play after a wayward Michael Parkhurst pass. Rodney Wallace raced cleared down the left and his low cross was met by Adi, who toed the ball past Clark.
Crew SC were unable to mount any sustained pressure in the second half with their best chance falling to Justin Meram from another pinpoint Higuain corner, his free header going wide of the far post when he should have at least worked the keeper.
With two away and one home game left all against conference playoff contenders Columbus know they will need better performances if they want to achieve home advantage during the playoffs and with the playoff spot still not secure they will be keeping an eye behind them on Drogba-led Montreal.
