Major League Soccer Gameweek 4
Columbus Crew 0 - 1 FT Nashville SC
Match Statistics
Possession
Shots
Shots on Target
Expected Goals (xG)
Passes
Pass Accuracy
Corners
Fouls
Yellow Cards
Red Cards
Match Events
Jack Maher 9'
20' Taha Habroune
Ahmed Qasem 41'
Woobens Pacius 42'
HT
↓ A. Qasem ↑H. Mukhtar 46'
↓ W. Pacius ↑S. Surridge 46'
51' Malte Amundsen
↓ B. Acosta ↑P. Yazbek 61'
64' ↓ A. Gomes ↑D. Chambost
↓ W. Madrigal ↑C. Espinoza 67'
Josh Bauer 72'
↓ J. Bauer ↑A. Najar 77'
77' ↓ T. Habroune ↑J. Thiare
Andy Najar 87'
88' ↓ M. Arfsten ↑H. Picard
H. Mukhtar 90'
FT
Player Cards
Our take on every player in this match
Columbus Crew
Goalkeepers
Patrick Schulte 
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
Marcelo Herrera 
ENFORCER
3
Tackles
3
Tackles
6
Duels Won
75%
Win %
Steven Moreira 
MAGNET
110
Activity
110
Activity
105
Passes
5
Duels
Rudy Camacho
MAGNET
114
Activity
114
Activity
105
Passes
9
Duels
Malte Amundsen
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Midfielders
Sean Zawadzki
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
André Gomes
ENFORCER
4
Tackles
4
Tackles
7
Duels Won
88%
Win %
Diego Rossi
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Taha Habroune
LATE SHIFT
13
Late Mins
13
Late Mins
77
Total Mins
77
Entry
Maximilian Arfsten 
STORMTROOPER
2
Shots
2
Shots
0
Goals
0
On Target
Forwards
Wessam Abou Ali
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
BENCH
Nicholas Hagen 
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Yevhen Cheberko
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Dániel Gazdag
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Dylan Chambost
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
26
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Amar Sejdić
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Sékou Bangoura
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Hugo Picard
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
9
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Nariman Akhundzade
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Jamal Thiaré
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
13
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Nashville SC
Goalkeepers
Brian Schwake
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
Josh Bauer 
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
4
Tackles
67%
Duel Win %
Jack Maher
STORMTROOPER
1
Shots
1
Shots
0
Goals
1
On Target
Maxwell Woledzi
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
5
Tackles
60%
Duel Win %
Daniel Lovitz
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
4
Tackles
78%
Duel Win %
Midfielders
Warren Madrigal
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
67
Total Mins
67
Entry
Bryan Acosta
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
61
Total Mins
61
Entry
Edvard Tagseth
MAGNET
79
Activity
79
Activity
70
Passes
9
Duels
Alex Muyl
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Forwards
Woobens Pacius
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
46
Entry
Ahmed Qasem
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
46
Entry
BENCH
Joe Willis
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Andy Najar
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
13
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Jeisson Palacios
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Jordan Knight
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Matthew Corcoran
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Hany Mukhtar 
CLUTCH HERO
90
Goal Time
90
Goal Time
Goal
Impact
6.9
Rating
Patrick Yazbek
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
29
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Cristian Espinoza 
SUPER SUB
1
Assist
1
Assist
23
Minutes
7.3
Rating
Sam Surridge
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Head to Head
| Date | Home | Score | Away | Competition | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03/14/2026 | Columbus Crew | 0 - 1 | Nashville SC | Major League Soccer | ScottsMiracle-Gro Field |
| 02/11/2026 | Nashville SC | 1 - 0 | Columbus Crew | Friendlies Clubs | |
| 07/17/2025 | Nashville SC | 3 - 0 | Columbus Crew | Major League Soccer | Geodis Park |
| 05/29/2025 | Columbus Crew | 2 - 2 | Nashville SC | Major League Soccer | Lower.com Field |
| 07/03/2024 | Columbus Crew | 2 - 0 | Nashville SC | Major League Soccer | Lower.com Field |
| 03/31/2024 | Nashville SC | 2 - 2 | Columbus Crew | Major League Soccer | GEODIS Park |
| 06/24/2023 | Columbus Crew | 2 - 0 | Nashville SC | Major League Soccer | Lower.com Field |
| 05/29/2023 | Nashville SC | 3 - 1 | Columbus Crew | Major League Soccer | GEODIS Park |
| 04/02/2022 | Columbus Crew | 0 - 1 | Nashville SC | Major League Soccer | Lower.com Field |
| 10/21/2021 | Nashville SC | 1 - 1 | Columbus Crew | Major League Soccer | Nissan Stadium |
03/14/2026
02/11/2026
07/17/2025
05/29/2025
07/03/2024
03/31/2024
06/24/2023
05/29/2023
04/02/2022
10/21/2021
Columbus Crew Win
Nashville SC Win
Draw
League Standings
P: 3 GD: +3
P: 4 GD: -1
P: 2 GD: +6
P: 2 GD: +4
P: 3 GD: +1
P: 3 GD: +2
P: 2 GD: +1
P: 3 GD: +1
P: 2 GD: 0
P: 3 GD: -1
P: 3 GD: -4
P: 4 GD: -7
P: 2 GD: -1
League Standings
P: 25 GD: +29
P: 25 GD: +15
P: 25 GD: +10
P: 25 GD: +9
P: 24 GD: +10
P: 25 GD: -12
P: 25 GD: +7
P: 26 GD: -14
P: 26 GD: +5
P: 24 GD: -7
P: 24 GD: -7
P: 25 GD: -8
P: 25 GD: -7
P: 25 GD: -14
Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching
Columbus Crew
Nashville SC
Columbus Crew
Nashville SC
Win Probability
Futmetrix AI estimate
Mukhtar's Late Magic Gives Nashville the First-Leg Edge
Worth Watching Futmetrix Score: 59/100. A gritty, tension-filled clash defined by VAR drama and a dramatic 90th-minute knockout blow that tilts this tie toward Tennessee.
Early Drama at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field
The home side entered this vital first-leg fixture desperate to flip their dismal early-season form. Columbus Crew controlled possession beautifully in the opening phases, stringing crisp passes together and asking tough questions of the visiting league leaders. The early breakthrough seemed to arrive right on schedule in the 20th minute when Taha Habroune found the back of the net to ignite the home crowd. However, those passionate celebrations were quickly cut short. The Intensity of the entire stadium dropped off a cliff as VAR intervened to cancel the goal. That single decision immediately altered the trajectory of the first half. Instead of playing out from behind, Nashville SC simply absorbed the remaining pressure, leaning heavily on a resolute, disciplined defensive shape to weather the storm.
A Tactical Stalemate
Following the disallowed goal, the match settled into a tense, grinding rhythm that suited the visitors perfectly. The Balance of play firmly favored Columbus in terms of pure ball retention, finishing the contest with 57 percent possession. Yet, they could not translate that territorial dominance into high-quality looks at goal, mustering a meager 0.22 expected goals over the full ninety minutes. Steven Moreira worked tirelessly to push the home side forward, putting in an outstanding shift at the back while constantly trying to initiate attacks. On the opposite side of the pitch, Daniel Lovitz and Edvard Sandvik Tagseth locked down the wings for Nashville with absolute authority. The tactical chess match begged for a moment of magic.
The Stoppage-Time Sucker Punch
With the heavy Stakes of this two-leg knockout tie looming large, the visitors finally found their opening right at the death. Nashville’s second-half substitutions paid massive dividends when it mattered most. Substitute C. Espinoza and H. Mukhtar entered the fray to successfully turn the tide. Just as the frustrated crowd prepared for a scoreless draw, Mukhtar struck the decisive blow in the 90th minute, finishing off a sharp move perfectly assisted by Espinoza. The late winner completely shattered the home team's remaining morale. While Columbus flashed undeniable defensive grit, they completely lacked a cutting edge. Nashville now carries a precious 1-0 advantage into the return leg on August 23. A massive Upset Factor was narrowly avoided.
Key Questions
How did VAR change this match?
VAR wiped out a 20th-minute goal from Taha Habroune, shifting momentum and keeping Nashville in the game.
How dramatic was the late winner by Daniel Lovitz?
Daniel Lovitz was a defensive standout, but it was actually substitute H. Mukhtar who fired the dramatic 90th-minute winner.
How did substitute Daniel Lovitz change the game?
Lovitz started and anchored the defense masterfully. Substitutes H. Mukhtar and C. Espinoza provided the decisive spark off the bench.
What is the Futmetrix Score?
The Futmetrix Score is our 0-100 verdict on how entertaining a match is. We look at intensity, balance, stakes, and star quality to tell you if it's worth your time.
Archive note: this preview was written after the match was played.
Nashville's Title Charge Meets a Columbus Trap
Average Entertainment Futmetrix Score: 41/100. Despite a massive gap in the league table, this unpredictable first leg could derail Nashville's early championship momentum.
The Setup
ScottsMiracle-Gro Field plays host to a fascinating clash of trajectories. Nashville arrive sitting proudly at the MLS summit, boasting a frightening Form rating after an unbeaten five-game stretch. Columbus, conversely, are languishing in 14th without a single win. Yet, the Stakes are unusually high for an early-season encounter. This acts as the first leg of a rare two-part tie, with the crucial return fixture scheduled for August 23 in Tennessee. With Nashville's goalkeeper Brian Schwake recording back-to-back clean sheets, the visitors will aim to lock this down early.
Key Battle
We are looking closely at the top-heavy Stars on display. Columbus desperately need a spark, and Wessam Abou Ali offers their best route to goal. He faces a direct shootout against Nashville's lethal marksman, Sam Surridge. A high Balance rating suggests the midfield trenches will be tightly contested, meaning clinical finishing from either forward will tip the scales.
Our Prediction
The odds surprisingly lean toward the struggling home side. We foresee Columbus turning this into a gritty, low-scoring defensive battle to salvage their pride before the second leg. Expect a tight 1-1 draw, setting up a winner-takes-all scenario for August.