As a light rain escaped the skies, the Columbus Crew hosted Inter Miami CF at Huntington Bank Field in front of a Club record 60,614 spectators. Both teams, who entered the match unbeaten, looked to continue their hot starts. However, the Herons had the last laugh, taking all three points in the 1-0 win. 

In a match marked by tactical discipline and physical intensity, Benjamin Cremaschi’s diving header was the deciding factor for the Herons. The 20-year-old made a straightforward run to the penalty area, giving an option for Marcelo Weigandt. The Argentine wingback sent in a cross that found the head of Cremaschi, who directed it past Patrick Schulte and into the net for the game’s only goal. The goal was Cremaschi’s first of the season. 

For Columbus, it was a rare evening on which the attacking fluidity that has often defined Wilfried Nancy’s side failed to ignite. Columbus, known for its very aggressive possession and dynamic wing play, had difficulty finding its footing and the back of the net. 

Multiple chances were generated for the Black & Gold, but the result was always the same. 

Despite controlling 60% of the possession and registering 16 shots (3 on goal), Columbus rarely threatened Oscar Ustari, albeit with very close chances throughout the match. Their best chance came in the latter stages of second-half stoppage time when Daniel Gazdag nearly got on the end of a driven cross into the penalty area but couldn’t redirect the attempt to goal. 

The loss halts the Crew’s eight-game unbeaten streak and is a testament to what Columbus is missing—a true attacking striker. 

For Javier Mascherano and Miami, the win extended their unbeaten streak to eight matches and left them as the only team without defeat this season. The Herons now find themselves at the top of the Eastern Conference and in second place in the Supporter’s Shield race. 

Columbus dropped to second place in the East and third in the Supporter’s Shield; however, plenty of football remains to be played. 

With the rematch in the Sunshine State looming later in the year, it’s no secret that there is a bitter taste left in the mouths of the Columbus Crew. 

New attendance record

The match’s announced attendance of 60,614 was a new Club record for home attendance in franchise history. It also marked the highest attendance at Huntington Bank Field for a non-NFL event. 

Desperate times call for desperate measures

With the transfer window closing in a few days, the Columbus Crew needs players to step up when it counts. Taking shots when necessary — even if it’s off target — is key to at least making something magical happen. 

What’s next? 

The Columbus Crew are back at Lower.com Field on April 26 as they host the San Jose Earthquakes. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. EDT. You can watch the match on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.