Crew has to wait for MLS post-season berth after loss to Timbers

The Columbus Crew needed a win or a draw over the Portland Timbers at MAPFRE Stadium in order to secure a spot in the MLS post-season, but came up short instead, dropping the match 2-1 after conceding one goal in each half on Saturday night.

One point was all the Crew needed to secure early qualification and a top-six finish in the Eastern Conference, but Portland forward Fanendo Adi would not gift them such easy entrance, scoring twice to deny Columbus on the night.

Columbus forward Kei Kamara scored the only goal for the Crew to equalize at 1-1, good for his league-leading 22nd goal of the season. And, while he now goes three goals ahead of Sebastian Giovinco, his own personal tally wasn't enough to overcome their Western Conference opposition.

As such, the Crew drops its second home game in a row. Columbus will now switch focus to its remaining three matches, which include away trips to Eastern Conference-leading New York Red Bulls and playoff-hunting rivals Toronto FC.