MLS wrap: Crew edges Timbers, Minnesota crushed
Minnesota United's poor start to the Major League Soccer season continued as Columbus Crew enjoyed an entertaining win.
Columbus Crew claimed an entertaining Major Soccer League win over Portland Timbers, while Minnesota United's struggles continued.
An 84th-minute goal from debutant Niko Hansen saw Crew past the Timbers 3-2, ending Portland's perfect start to the season and sending Columbus top of the Eastern Conference.
Dairon Asprilla's brilliant finish had put Portland ahead in the fourth minute away from home in Ohio on Sunday (AEDT).
But the hosts struck twice in quick succession, Justin Meram scrambling in from a corner before Ola Kamara looped a finish over Timbers goalkeeper Jake Gleeson, who had come to collect a Federico Higuain pass.
Just as the Timbers appeared set to go into the break behind, Fanendo Adi's strike made it 2-2 in first-half stoppage-time.
However, substitute Hansen had the last say, coming off the bench to score the match winner for Gregg Berhalter's side.
Portland remains top of the Western Conference despite its loss, while Columbus leads the East.
Newcomer Minnesota United saw its forgettable start to the season continue, losing 5-2 at New England Revolution. United has allowed five or more goals in three of its first four games. During the entire 2016 season, MLS teams combined to allow five or more goals just seven times.
Juan Agudelo scored a brace for Revolution, while Kei Kamara also struck to go with penalties from Lee Nguyen and Chris Tierney.
The win saw New England pick up its first points of the season, with Minnesota bottom of the Western Conference.
The day's other game saw New York Red Bulls and Real Salt Lake play out a 0-0 draw.