After last week’s dramatic matchup at Charlotte FC, the Columbus Crew will remain on the road Saturday night when the Black & Gold face Nashville SC at GEODIS Park.
Numbers to Know Before Kickoff
4 – Last week’s 2-0 loss at Charlotte FC included all sorts of adversity. From head coach Wilfried Nancy missing the match with an illness to two false starts at the kickoff, injuries, a red card, VAR and more(!) … it was a lot. But that was last week, and now the Crew move forward hoping to get back to winning ways ahead of a busy April. Through five matches, Columbus is fourth in the Eastern Conference, but only one point back of the leaders. Ideally, Saturday night sets the tone before a massive clash on Tuesday night in Concacaf Champions Cup.
5 – Speaking of Concacaf Champions Cup, because Columbus remains active in the continental competition, that means the Black & Gold will have a congested schedule through at least the first half of April. Beginning Saturday night, the reigning league champions will play five matches in 15 days – including a trip to Monterrey, Mexico. This Nashville SC matchup sets the table for Tuesday night’s leg one of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal against Liga MX side Tigres UANL at Lower.com Field. Tickets are still available for the massive matchup. It’ll be interesting to see how Nancy approaches each match as he balances a saturated calendar while managing squad rotation.
11 – Nashville SC has six points through five games, placing the club 11th in the Eastern Conference rankings. The side also enters Saturday night on the heels of a loss in which it was reduced to 10 men (Nashville lost, 5-0, at LAFC). The club’s only win came two weeks ago against Charlotte FC – the last time the team played at home. Like Columbus, the club had matches intertwined between league and continental competitions. (Nashville was eliminated by Inter Miami CF in the previous round of Concacaf Champions Cup). Nashville’s roster is stronger than its standing suggests, so this is a game the Crew can’t take lightly.
10 – Speaking of not taking someone lightly, don’t forget about Hany Mukhtar. The German playmaker has yet to produce a goal or assist in MLS action this season, but he has double digit goals and assists in the three previous seasons. As he goes, so does Nashville. One of the top players in the league, it’ll be vital for the Black & Gold to keep him quiet on Saturday night. Ideally, the visitors will neutralize him the same way they did for Thiago Almada and Giorgos Giakoumakis in the season opener. There are few talents as bright as Mukhtar. That said, let’s hope we don’t see that quality against Columbus.
When They Last Met
Columbus won, 2-0, when the sides last met on June 24, 2023. Lower.com Field was the scene for Ramirez to score a first-half goal before Columbus added a second in second-half stoppage time via a Jack Maher own goal. Nashville won, 3-1, the last time the teams met in Tennessee on May 28, 2023.
Match Overview
Who: Columbus Crew at Nashville SC
When: Saturday, Mar. 30 at 8:30 p.m. ET
Where: GEODIS Park
How to Watch: MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app
How to Listen: La Grande 102.5 FM | Alt 105.7 FM | iHeart Radio app
Single-Match Tickets
Secure your seat to cheer on the reigning MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field this season!
