Whitecaps suffer hard shutout loss to Columbus in MLS opener

Lucas Zelarayan had a goal and an assist when host Columbus won its first game against Vancouver in more than a decade, 4-0, in their respective season openers on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.

Miguel Berry, the second-year striker who started over U.S. national team forward Gyasi Zardes, staked the Crew to a 1-0 lead in the eighth minute and Derrick Etienne Jr., followed in the 25th before Vancouver played the majority of the second half down a player.

Luis Diaz scored in the 84th and Zelarayan slalomed the defence for the final goal two minutes later.

The temperature for the Crew's earliest home opener was 32 degrees with a wind chill in the low 20s.

Berry opened the scoring with a little help from Vancouver defender Ranko Veselinovic. Berry took a pass from Zelarayan at the top arc, spun and after a first touch fired on goal.

The ball glanced off the head of Veselinovic and bounced past goalkeeper Thomas Hasal.

THE TOUCH, THE GRIDDY <a href="https://twitter.com/detienne_10?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@detienne_10</a><br><br>THE BALL <a href="https://twitter.com/yawyeboah_gh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@yawyeboah_gh</a><br><br>WE'RE COOKIN'