Providence Park was buzzing with anticipation as the Portland Timbers kicked off their 2026 Major League Soccer campaign, marking not only the start of a new season but also the centennial anniversary of their iconic home ground. On a brisk February evening, the stadium—steeped in football history—witnessed a dramatic 3-2 victory for the Timbers over the Columbus Crew, a match that served up everything fans could hope for: new faces, tactical intrigue, and a late-game decider that had the Rose City faithful on their feet.
For Timbers head coach Phil Neville, entering his third year at the helm, this opener was about more than just three points. “We have to deliver,” Neville declared before the match, underscoring the pressure on his squad to shake off recent early playoff exits and make a statement in a year filled with historic significance. The offseason had brought significant changes: the departures of stalwarts like goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau and defender Dario Župarić left gaps, while injuries and suspensions—most notably to David Da Costa, Zac McGraw, Omir Fernandez, and Juan Mosquera—forced Neville to turn to fresh signings and new leaders.
Among those debuting in green and gold were midfielder Cole Bassett, recently acquired from the Colorado Rapids, and defender Brandon Bye. Both slotted straight into the starting lineup, tasked with helping the Timbers navigate a tricky opener against a Columbus Crew side also in transition. The Crew, under new head coach Henrik Rydström, had undergone their own shakeup: club legend Darlington Nagbe retired at the end of 2025, and the captain’s armband was passed to Sean Zawadzki, who started the match wearing a protective face mask after suffering a facial fracture in January. Rydström, arriving from a successful stint at Malmo FF in Sweden, was eager to stamp his authority and tactical vision on the squad.
The match itself wasted no time springing to life. In just the 6th minute, Crew striker Wessam Abou Ali—making a triumphant return after missing the tail end of last season with a hairline ankle fracture—capitalized on a Portland defensive lapse. After a scramble at the top of the box, Abou Ali slipped past Finn Surman and drilled a low shot into the bottom left corner, giving Columbus a 1-0 lead. It was a fitting moment for the Crew’s new attacking trio, with Abou Ali joined up front by Diego Rossi and Dániel Gazdag.
But the Timbers responded swiftly. Just eight minutes later, a failed clearance by Crew defender Malte Amundsen landed at the feet of Gage Guerra, who quickly fed Felipe Mora. Mora, with composure, lofted a shot high above Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte, leveling the match at 1-1 and igniting the home crowd. The Timbers’ energy didn’t wane. In the 20th minute, the newly arrived Cole Bassett made his mark. After a Crew turnover, Bassett surged upfield and threaded a perfectly timed pass to Antony Alves Santos, who broke free on the right and fired an uncontested shot past Schulte to put Portland ahead 2-1. “Bassett’s first assist in a Timbers shirt couldn’t have come at a better time,” noted the local broadcaster.
Columbus, however, refused to back down. Just before halftime, Diego Rossi picked up the ball near midfield, danced past several Timbers defenders, and unleashed a shot from outside the box that found the bottom left corner, tying the score at 2-2. The match was wide open, with both sides trading chances and showing flashes of their new tactical identities. By the break, possession was nearly even—51.6% for Portland, 48.4% for Columbus—and each side had registered four shots on target.
As the second half wore on, the tension mounted. The Crew, who finished with more total shots (16 to Portland’s 11) and eight corners, pressed for a winner, but the Timbers’ defense, anchored by Alex Bonetig and Jimer Foy, held firm. Portland’s own attacking ambitions were nearly rewarded in the 42nd minute when Kristoffer Velde appeared to have scored a third, only for the goal to be ruled offside by VAR.
Substitutions came thick and fast. Columbus introduced Jamal Thiare and Daniel Gazdag to bolster their attack, while Yevhen Cheberko and Sekou Bangoura—making his MLS debut—entered the fray to shore up the midfield and defense. For Portland, the focus was on maintaining balance and looking for a decisive moment.
That moment arrived in the 88th minute. As a cross zipped into the Crew’s box, both Malte Amundsen and Kevin Kelsy went down in a tangle. Kelsy managed a header that landed at the feet of Ariel Lassiter, who found himself unmarked in front of goal. With a cool finish to the right of Schulte, Lassiter sent Providence Park into celebration and secured a dramatic 3-2 win for the home side.
“It’s a huge win for us, especially on such a special night for the club and the city,” said Neville in his post-match comments. Lassiter’s late strike capped a performance that showcased both the Timbers’ attacking potential and their ability to dig deep when it mattered most. The Crew, despite outshooting Portland and controlling stretches of play, were left to rue missed chances and defensive lapses.
There were notable debuts and absences on both sides. For Portland, Bassett and Bye impressed in their first outings, while the absence of David Da Costa and others was keenly felt. Columbus, meanwhile, saw new captain Zawadzki return from injury and gave Bangoura his first taste of MLS action. The Crew’s new signing, Andre Gomes, was not yet match-fit, but his arrival signals further evolution for Rydström’s side.
This fixture has a rich history, with Portland now holding a clear edge in recent meetings. Their all-time record against Columbus stands at 7 wins, 3 losses, and 4 draws, and the Timbers remain unbeaten in the last five encounters. The 2015 MLS Cup Final, where Portland triumphed 2-1 in Columbus, still looms large in the rivalry’s lore, but Saturday’s centennial clash added a fresh chapter to the saga.
Looking ahead, both teams face quick turnarounds. The Timbers travel to Colorado next Saturday to take on the Rapids, while Columbus continues their road trip against Sporting Kansas City on February 28. With new coaches, new stars, and a new season underway, fans on both sides have plenty to be excited about.
As Providence Park’s 100th year began with fireworks on and off the pitch, the message was clear: this MLS season is set to deliver drama, surprises, and unforgettable moments—just as it always has in the Rose City.