After a 90-minute rain delay, Columbus Crew SC fell to the Vancouver Whitecaps, 3-1, on Saturday evening in front of 15,589 supporters at MAPFRE Stadium.
Forward Ola Kamara netted his 11th goal of the season in the 11th minute for the Black & Gold in the loss — his first since July 23 at home against Orlando City SC. Midfielder Mohammed Saeid recorded his second assist of 2016 on the Kamara strike, with the first coming back on March 12 against the Philadelphia Union.
The opening moments of the first 45 were controlled by Crew SC, as the Black & Gold held more than 66 percent of the possession, fired seven shots, and maintained 80 percent passing accuracy.
Columbus opened the scoring in the 11th minute as Saied’s curled corner found the shoe studs of Kamara, and the striker buried the shot past Vancouver’s David Ousted to take the early 1-0 advantage. But the lead would be short-lived as a strange deflection off the head of defender Gaston Sauro carried the ball into his own net to level the score two minutes later.
Both clubs fought for possession in the center of the park as the match wore on, but the second half saw a red card issued to Tony Tchani (86th) — and two goals (74th, 82nd) in eight minutes for Whitecaps FC. And as the final whistle sounded, the Western Conference visitors sealed three vital points on the road.
Crew SC is back in action next Saturday as the Black & Gold travel to Orlando for a clash with the Lions of Orlando City SC. Kickoff from Camping World Stadium is set for 7:30 p.m.
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