Match Summary
Portland Timbers defeated Columbus Crew 3:2. The match was played in Major League Soccer 2023. Goals were scored by D. Asprilla 28′, D. Asprilla 30′, L. Zelarayán 45′, L. Zelarayán 65′, S. Blanco 80′. 4 yellow cards were shown. Portland Timbers had 38% possession while Columbus Crew held 62%. Portland Timbers had 12 shots (5 on target) compared to 17 (5 on target) for Columbus Crew. Expected goals: Portland Timbers 1.50 — Columbus Crew 2.25. Portland Timbers made 5 substitutions, Columbus Crew made 3.
Match Events
Key match events between Portland Timbers and Columbus Crew — 5 goals and 4 cards recorded during the match.
assist: D. Župarić
assist: F. Boli
assist: J. Russell-Rowe
assist: S. Moreira
Match Statistics
Portland Timbers had 38% possession against Columbus Crew's 62%. Portland Timbers registered 12 shots (5 on target) while Columbus Crew managed 17 (5 on target). Corner kicks: 4–7. Fouls committed: 18–7.
Lineups
Portland Timbers lined up in a 4-3-3 formation under G. Savarese, while Columbus Crew deployed a 3-4-1-2 under W. Nancy.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Portland Timbers is 6.69, compared to 6.95 for Columbus Crew. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Portland Timbers's highest-rated starter is D. Župarić (6.92), while Columbus Crew's best-rated player is S. Zawadzki (7.17).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Portland Timbers have contributed 2 goals and 0 assists this season, led by C. Paredes (2G). Columbus Crew's starters account for 12 goals and 4 assists, spearheaded by J. Russell-Rowe (9G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Portland Timbers deploy 4 defenders rated 6.66 on average, against Columbus Crew's 3-man backline averaging 7.04. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Portland Timbers field 3 midfielders averaging 6.74, versus Columbus Crew's 4 rated 6.90. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Portland Timbers start 3 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 3 for Columbus Crew averaging 6.95. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages —% for Portland Timbers and 56% for Columbus Crew. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Portland Timbers's starters have collected 15 yellow cards this season, compared to 16 for Columbus Crew. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Portland Timbers's starting XI is 29.3 (youngest: C. Paredes (27), oldest: D. Župarić (33)), while Columbus Crew average 27.7 (youngest: J. Russell-Rowe (23), oldest: D. Nagbe (35)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Portland Timbers's starters average 19 league appearances each, versus 31 for Columbus Crew. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Portland Timbers have recorded 1 wins, 1 draws and 4 defeats. Columbus Crew show 2 wins, 1 draws and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
Portland Timbers
Columbus Crew
API data: 15 Mar 2026