Ariel Lassiter's late strike lifts Portland past Columbus

Field Level Media|published: Sun 22nd February, 01:07 2026

Feb 21, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Timbers forward Kristoffer Velde (99) controls a pass during the first half against Columbus Crew forward Diego Rossi (10) at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Ariel Lassiter scored in the 88th minute to lift the Portland Timbers to a 3-2 win over the visiting Columbus Crew Saturday in the season-opening match for both teams.

Felipe Mora and Antony Alves Santos also scored for Portland.

Wessam Abou Ali had a goal and an assist and Diego Rossi also tallied for the Crew in their debut under coach Henrik Rydstrom.

Lassiter's goal came after Jimer Fory sent a cross from the left wing to Kevin Kelsy for a diving header. The ball was deflected and fell to the turf just beyond the penalty spot and sat there momentarily before Lassiter, who came on as a substitute in the 73rd minute, swooped in and put a left-footed shot into the net.

Both teams scored twice in an entertaining first half, with another goal called back.

The Crew took an early lead as Abou Ali tallied in the 6th minute. A back pass from Portland's Kristoffer Velde from the midfield line was intercepted by Abou Ali about 30 yards from the Timbers' net. Abou Ali split two defenders to get to the top of the penalty area and put a left-footed shot into the lower-right corner, leaving Portland goalkeeper James Pantemis no chance to make a diving save.

The Timbers tied it in the 14th minute as Diego Chara intercepted a Columbus clearing attempt at the top of the 18-yard box. Gage Guerra's cross found Mora and he volleyed it past goalie Patrick Schulte from 4 yards out.

The Timbers took a 2-1 lead in the 20th minute. Velde forced a turnover near midfield and newcomer Cole Bassett, acquired in a trade with Colorado, picked up the loose ball and dribbled about 25 yards until sending a pass to Antony on the right wing. His shot from 15 yards out found the side netting.

It appeared Velde had given the Timbers a 3-1 lead in the 42nd minute, but the offside flag came up immediately.

Rossi got the equalizer in the 44th minute on a 25-yard blast into the upper-left corner which Pantemis got a hand on but couldn't keep out of the net. Abou Ali got the primary assist.

Columbus midfielder Dylan Chambost had to come off with an apparent hamstring injury in the 25th minute and was replaced by Amar Sejdic.

--Field Level Media

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