Columbus Crew defender Jonathan Mensah (4) and midfielder Artur (8) are unable to score against Portland Timbers goalkeeper Jeff Attinella (1) and defender Larrys Mabiala (33) in the first half of an MLS soccer game in Columbus, Ohio, Saturday, April 20, 2019. (Eric Albrecht/The Columbus Dispatch via AP)
The Associated Press
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Larrys Mabiala and Jeremy Ebobisse scored in the first half and the Portland Timbers snapped a five-game losing streak with a 3-1 victory over the Columbus Crew on Saturday night.
Mabiala headed home Diego Valeri's free kick to open the scoring for the Timbers (1-5-1) in the 31st minute. Crew goalkeeper Zack Steffen got his hands on the shot but not enough to deny the goal.
Ebobisse doubled Portland's lead four minutes later, finding an open space at the top of the 6-yard box to finish Sebastián Blanco's cross.
Jorge Moreira capped the scoring in second-half stoppage time with a right-footed shot from close range for the Timbers.
Pedro Santos pulled the Crew (4-3-1) to 2-1 in the 69th minute with a chip shot to capitalize on a failed clearance attempt by goalkeeper Jeff Attinella.
Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Chara (21) tries to keep the ball against Columbus Crew forward Federico Higuain (10) in the first half of an MLS soccer game in Columbus, Ohio, Saturday, April 20, 2019. (Eric Albrecht/The Columbus Dispatch via AP)
The Associated Press
Columbus Crew forward Pedro Santos (7) goes up against Portland Timbers midfielder Andres Flores (14) in the first half of an MLS soccer game in Columbus, Ohio, Saturday, April 20, 2019. (Eric Albrecht/The Columbus Dispatch via AP)
The Associated Press
Columbus Crew defender Gaston Sauro (22) makes contact with Portland Timbers forward Jeremy Ebobisse (17) in the first half of an MLS soccer game in Columbus, Ohio, Saturday, April 20, 2019. (Eric Albrecht/The Columbus Dispatch via AP)
The Associated Press