As Columbus Crew SC drew 0-0 against FC Dallas last Saturday, their focus shifted to their midweek matchup in the Pacific Northwest against the Portland Timbers.
In a game that was a must-win for Columbus, the complete opposite happened.
Despite Niko Hansen Brace, Columbus Crew SC Falls 3-2 to Portland Timbers
Crew SC got on the board early with a goal in the seventh minute of play.
Midfielder Pedro Santos found a trailing Milton Valenzuela on the wing, who was able to service a low cross that found the foot of Niko Hansen to put the ball into the back of the net.
.@Pedro32santos ➡️ Milton ➡️ NIKOOOOOO! ?#CrewSC | #PORvCLB pic.twitter.com/r3X1z7mxiU
— Columbus Crew SC (@ColumbusCrewSC) September 20, 2018
The Timbers came back with a goal of their own just a few minutes later as David Guzman was able to get his head on a corner kick to level the score.
As halftime lingered in the wings, Andy Polo doubled the lead with his tap-in in the 37th minute.
Columbus called for a possible Video Review to determine if Polo was offside, but center official Ted Unkel refused.
The Goal That Killed Columbus
The Timbers were able to add another to their total, making it 3-1 in the 48th minute.
Forward Samuel Armenteros attempted to center the ball into the penalty area, but instead, it deflected off the foot of Lalas Abubakar and into the net past keeper Zack Steffen.
Columbus was eventually able to get a goal back in the last few seconds of stoppage time.
Connor Maloney found Hansen in the box, who was able to head the ball past keeper Steve Clark to make the game 3-2.
Niko with the brace from @cmalpsu5! #CrewSC | #PORvCLB | 3-2 pic.twitter.com/dTjacLibOE
— Columbus Crew SC (@ColumbusCrewSC) September 20, 2018
With the loss, Columbus is now mathematically eliminated from the Supporter Shield race and could’ve made things even worse after starting out strong, and slowly but surely fading away after the first quarter of the first half and so on. If Columbus could have executed more properly on finishing, the win would be theirs.
On the other hand, Portland now has a little breathing room after going into this matchup with the danger of falling below the playoff line.
Next up for both clubs, they have a match this coming Saturday. Portland travels to Minnesota to take on Minnesota United FC.
Columbus is back at home for their evening matchup against the Colorado Rapids.
