Nashville SC vs Columbus Crew
Nashville SC snatch dramatic win
Two stoppage-time goals seal a thrilling 3-2 victory over Columbus Crew.
Nashville SC edged out Columbus Crew 3-2 in a pulsating MLS encounter, with H. Mukhtar opening the scoring before Columbus fought back through M. Farsi and André Gomes. However, Nashville's resilience shone through as R. Baker-Whiting and A. Najar struck in stoppage time to clinch the win. Fipster's prediction of a home victory was spot on, though the late drama made the final scoreline even more gripping than forecast.
Outcome probability
Nashville SC and Columbus Crew face off in a regular season MLS clash where Nashville is expected to flex their attacking muscles. With key players in form and a tactical edge, this match promises goals and excitement.
Match factors
Nashville SC's potent home attack led by Surridge
Surridge's prolific scoring at home (1 goal/game last 2 home matches) gives Nashville a clear attacking edge
Espinoza's creative output surpasses league average
Espinoza's 7 assists in 15 games (0.47 per game) well exceed average attacker assist rates, boosting Nashville's chance creation
Mukhtar's strong recent home scoring form
Mukhtar scored 2 goals in last 2 home matches, indicating good form and influence in attack
Columbus Crew's reliance on Arfsten for creativity
Arfsten leads Columbus with 4 assists in 17 games, key to unlocking Nashville's defense
No confirmed injuries for either team
Both teams have full squads available, so tactical and form factors dominate the match outcome
The context
This fixture is part of the 2026 MLS regular season, round 21. Nashville SC and Columbus Crew have met 13 times previously, with Nashville winning five and Columbus three, alongside five draws. Their encounters typically yield around two goals per game, suggesting a lively contest ahead.
Key insights

S. Surridge
Nashville SC
Surridge's prolific scoring at home (1 goal per game in last 2 home matches) gives Nashville a clear attacking edge.
Major League Soccer 26/2712 goals in 13 appearances, 0.92 goals/game

C. Espinoza
Nashville SC
Espinoza's 7 assists in 15 games (0.47 per game) well exceed average attacker assist rates, boosting Nashville's chance creation.
Major League Soccer 26/277 assists in 15 appearances, 0.47 assists/game

H. Mukhtar
Nashville SC
Mukhtar scored 2 goals in last 2 home matches, indicating good form and influence in attack.
Major League Soccer 26/278 goals in 19 appearances, 0.42 goals/game

M. Arfsten
Columbus Crew
Arfsten leads Columbus with 4 assists in 17 games, key to unlocking Nashville's defense.
Major League Soccer 26/274 assists in 17 appearances, 0.24 assists/game
Analysis
Nashville SC's attacking prowess is led by S. Surridge, who boasts an impressive 12 goals in 13 appearances and has been particularly clinical at home, scoring in each of his last two home matches. Midfielder and captain H. Mukhtar adds to the threat with eight goals this season and recent home form that includes two goals in his last two home games. Creative spark C. Espinoza, the team's top assister with seven assists, is likely to provide the key passes that unlock Columbus' defence. On the other side, Columbus Crew rely heavily on M. Arfsten for creativity, with four assists this season, but their attacking output has been less consistent. Both teams have full squads available, so expect tactics and form to be the deciding factors.
Key facts
- 1.Nashville SC have won 5 of 13 head-to-head matches against Columbus Crew.
- 2.Columbus Crew have won 3 of the 13 meetings, with 5 draws.
- 3.Head-to-head matches average 2.0 goals per game.
- 4.S. Surridge leads Nashville SC with 12 goals in 13 games.
- 5.C. Espinoza has provided 7 assists in 15 appearances for Nashville SC.
- 6.H. Mukhtar has scored 8 goals and provided 4 assists this season.
- 7.M. Arfsten leads Columbus Crew with 4 assists in 17 games.
- 8.The predicted total number of cards in the match is 4.
Prediction
The prediction is a confident 3-1 victory for Nashville SC. The most probable halftime score is 1-0, reflecting Nashville's ability to start strongly and control the game. The match is expected to feature moderate disciplinary action, with around four cards anticipated. Nashville's home advantage and attacking form should see them comfortably outscore Columbus Crew.
Player Insights
Standout players Fipster expects to impact the match — curated highlights, not full squad lists
Home — Nashville SC

Away — Columbus Crew
The verdict
In summary, Nashville SC's combination of clinical finishing and creative support gives them the edge over Columbus Crew. Expect a lively match with Nashville taking the spoils 3-1, continuing their strong home performances this season.
Form as the teams went into this match — excludes this result and anything since.
Team Comparison
Season shape — attack, defence, form, clean sheets & win rate
Home vs Away comparison
Goal difference in each of the last few fixtures — above the line is a net win, below is a net loss
Season comparison
Goals scored & conceded, goal difference and clean sheets across the season
Halftime Performance
What each side does once the whistle goes for half time
Streaks
Recent-form runs — each side’s most-recent game meets in the middle
Head to Head
Goal
Yellow Card
Yellow Card
Goal
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Goal
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Goal
Goal





