For the first time since the 2015 MLS Cup, Columbus Crew SC will host the Portland Timbers for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff at MAPFRE Stadium on Saturday.
Again, it will be a battle of East-versus-West on Saturday as both teams enter off Week 3 wins. Columbus maxed their points from visiting the Nation’s Capital thanks to a 2-0 victory over D.C. United — the first Crew SC win of the 2017 MLS regular season. The Black & Gold held a 76 percent passing accuracy and made 39 clearances, according to MLSsoccer.com. Crew SC switched from the usual 4-2-3-1 formation to a 3-6-1, which may have helped push the Black & Gold ahead three spots in the MLSsoccer.com Power Rankings.
The Timbers, on the other hand, are hoping to keep their current streak of three wins in three matches so far this season alive. In the latest victory, Portland dominated the Houston Dynamo in a 4-2 win at Providence Park. So far this season the Timbers have scored 10 goals in just three matches.
Columbus and Portland met once in regular season last year on March 6. The Timbers managed a 2-1 win at home, thanks to goals by Diego Valeri and Fanendo Adi. It was Columbus' goal that's remembered from that match: a beautiful bicycle kick goal by midfielder Federico Higuain. The overhead kick was voted the 2016 Crew SC Goal of the Year in a 100 percent fan vote.
The Black & Gold next host Orlando City on April 1 for a 4 p.m. ET kickoff at MAPFRE Stadium.
