Back in action after a week off, the Columbus Crew welcomed in Nashville SC to Lower.com Field for their one and only matchup of the 2022 MLS season. With being unbeaten in their last three meetings against the Music City side — and unbeaten in so far this season — Columbus looked to earn a massive three points at home in front of a sellout crowd.
Prior to the game, the Crew honored legend Federico Higuain, as he signed a one-day contract to officially retiere as a member of the Black & Gold. Just before kickoff, team Investor-Operator Dr. Pete Edwards, along with President and General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko officially retired Higuain with a commorative jersey.
Federico Higuain officially retires as a member of #Crew96 A commemorative jersey is presented by @DrPeteEdwards1 and Tim Bezbatchenko pic.twitter.com/pCsQJRgo2A
— Ty Fisher (@FisherTyler__) April 2, 2022
Following, the supporter section infamously known as the Nordecke contributed a tifo, honoring the illustrious career of the Argentine.
@TIFOSWEAT @Nordecke #Crew96 pic.twitter.com/wKalmQmHD5
— Ty Fisher (@FisherTyler__) April 2, 2022
A battle always tested between these two teams, Columbus came out of the gate looking too possess. Chances being generated, the Crew could have capitalized on several but the finishing wasn’t on their side. Back and forth action within the first 15 minutes of the game saw Columbus chasing the game as Hany Mukhtar and CJ Sapong sprung multiple attacks for Nashville.
It wasn’t until the 28th minute that there was a breakthough, with Alex Muyl giving the visitors a 1-0 lead with a header that sailed across the face of the goal and into the back of the net.
DIME FROM @TBMMW
HEADER FROM ALEX MUYLWE LEAD IN COLUMBUS pic.twitter.com/UNB9DTRTj2
— Nashville SC (@NashvilleSC) April 2, 2022
The Crew, letting in their first goal from the run of play this year, gained momentum back on their side in the last quarter hour applying pressure to the Nashville defense. The more pressure they applied, the chances and opportunities came to fruition but no capitalization. Nashville held the 1-0 lead into the break, with Columbus facing their first loss of the season if nothing changed in the second half.
Nashville, having coming off of multiple losses and holding a 1-0 lead, provided Columbus with difficulty having five defensive players shutting down the likes of Luis Diaz, Derrick Etienne Jr., and even Lucas Zelarayan. The countless tries Columbus were gaining were working, but Nashville didn’t break.
About halfway through the second half, Miguel Berry almost equalized for the Crew with a header from Steven Moreira, but his chance went wide of the goal.
In the 71st minute, Columbus was granted a golden opportunity with a free kick just outside of the 18-yard box, right in the wheelhouse of Zelarayan, who could not convert the equalizer.
Another adventitious attempt arose for Columbus in the 78th minute, with Zelarayan almost finding the outstretched foot of Berry.
The Black & Gold could not find an eqaulizer, thus seeing the Crew beaten for the first time this season. Columbus travel to Chester, Pennsylvania to take on the Philadelphia Union next Saturday.
Columbus Crew
“Nashville
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