PORTLAND, Ore. – The 2015 MLS Cup-champion Portland Timbers will play host to Columbus Crew SC on Sunday, March 6, at Providence Park in an MLS Cup rematch to open the 2016 season presented by Simple. A national broadcast of the match begins at 1:30 p.m. (Pacific) on ESPN and ESPN Deportes. The match was announced today as MLS unveiled details for each club’s home-opening match for the league’s 21st season.

The March 6 opener marks Columbus’ first trip to Portland since the 2014 season, and just its fourth in Portland’s six MLS seasons. The Timbers defeated Crew SC twice on the road in 2015, including a 2-1 victory at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus on Dec. 6 as Portland lifted its first MLS Cup.

Portland’s match during Week 1 of the MLS schedule will mark the fifth time that Portland opens its home schedule against an Eastern Conference opponent in the club’s MLS history as well as its fifth consecutive home, season-opening game. Since 2011, Portland has opened its home schedule against Eastern Conference clubs Chicago (2011), Philadelphia (2012, 2014) and the New York Red Bulls (2013).

Since 2011, Portland is 2-0-3 in MLS home openers and has logged a record of 12-7-9 against Eastern Conference clubs at Providence Park. In addition, the Timbers have compiled one of the league’s best home records over the last three seasons with an overall mark of 24-7-20.



Full season schedule, including the U.S. national television schedule, will be announced by MLS on Jan. 7.