Sep 10, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Vancouver Whitecaps forward Erik Hurtado (19) celebrates his goal with teammates in the second half of the match against the Columbus Crew SC at Mapfre Stadium. The Vancouver Whitecaps beat Columbus Crew SC by the score of 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Vancouver Whitecaps defeated the Columbus Crew by a final score of 3-1, with a strong second half showing to claim the win.

It was a strong performance on Saturday night for the Vancouver Whitecaps as they continue their push to the playoffs. They scored three unanswered after going down early in the first half. The win puts them one point out of the playoffs at the moment.

How it Happened

The Crew struck first in the 11th minute as Ola Kamara acrobatically finished a Mohammed Saeid corner kick. His tally allowed him to end his five match scoreless streak.

Just two minutes later a disastrous own goal tied the match back up at 1-1. Gaston Sauro redirected a cross into his own net with his head to give the Whitecaps their first goal of the match.

The stalemate was broken in the 74th minute when Andrew Jacobson fired home a low driven shot. Christian Bolanos was credited with the assist. Eight minutes later they would grab another goal. This time it was Erik Hurtado who put the ball into the net. David Edgar’s effort off the corner was saved by Steve Clark, but Hurtado was their to clean up the rebound.

A Tony Tchani red card in the 86th minute added to the Crew’s struggles as he was sent off for violent conduct. In the end it was a comfortable finish for the Whitecaps.

All Goals

Y tan sólo 2 minutos más tarde llegaría la mala suerte para @ColumbusCrew. #CLBvVAN. 1-1. pic.twitter.com/Dsj6HOZtq0 — Fútbol MLS (@futbolMLS) September 11, 2016

https://twitter.com/futbolMLS/status/774783861335138304

https://twitter.com/futbolMLS/status/774784531534610433

The Whitecaps will travel to Seattle next weekend for a Saturday afternoon clash at CenturyLink Field. It will be a road trip for the Crew as well next weekend as they play at Orlando City.