As Hany Mukhtar’s shot crossed the goal line deep into stoppage time, discontent deepened among disheartened Black & Gold fans. Accustomed to high standards and an attacking style built on relentless pressure, the Columbus Crew’s form in 2026 has fallen short of expectations.

The Columbus Crew succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to Nashville SC Saturday night, leaving the 2023 MLS Cup champions winless in four, scoreless in two, and 13th in the Eastern Conference.

The Black & Gold played on the front foot in the first half, controlling 59.7% of possession and creating several promising counterattacks, but came up short in the final third. 

In the 18th minute, Taha Habroune looked to have given the Crew the lead. Diego Rossi played a pinpoint through ball to Max Arfsten, who collected the ball in his stride at the edge of the 18-yard box. Arfsten cut onto his left and placed a low, curled shot that ricocheted against the left post. Habroune was in the right spot in the six-yard box to collect the rebound and powered a shot with his right foot from close range. Unfortunately for the Black & Gold, upon VAR review, Arfsten had been ruled offside when he initially received the ball, and the goal was overturned. 

Andres Herrera picked up a loose ball in the 26th minute, nearly finding the back of the net from a corner. After Andre Gomes’ initial cross, several deflections saw the ball drop, uncontested, at the edge of the box. Herrera ran onto it, driving a right-footed shot just wide of the right post.

The visitors’ first corner of the night saw Jack Maher rise above the rest to drive a header on goal in the 39th minute. The ball soared toward the left post, and Schulte mustered a quick, low dive to clear away the danger and force another corner. 

The dying moments of first-half stoppage time saw a final burst from the Crew, with Arfsten mere inches away from scoring a wonder-strike from distance. Arfsten, neatly toeing the line of the 18-yard box, cut the ball onto his right foot from the left side of the box before launching a looping knuckleball headed toward the upper right corner of the goal. But on its descent, rather than dip into the net, the ball fired off the crossbar and out of play.

In the 61st minute, Schulte’s reflexes were tested by second-half substitute Sam Surridge. A long throw from the visitors bounced off several heads before falling to Surridge, ready to pounce. Surridge struck the ball on the half-volley with his right foot toward the right side of the goal, with Schulte once again quick to react to keep the score even. 

After gaining traction since the second half introductions of Surridge, Mukhtar, and Cristian Espinoza in the second half, the visitors were finally able to break the deadlock in the 90+4th minute. Receiving a sublime through ball from Andy Najar as he approached the six-yard box, Espinoza toyed with Rudy Camacho, bringing the defender to the floor as he slithered with the ball at his feet right of goal. Espinoza cut the ball short across the box to find Mukhtar, who, without hesitation, buried his shot past Schulte. 

Winless, shutout, and out of luck

Tonight’s defeat marked a devastating collapse for the Black & Gold, who failed to take their chances against Nashville SC. Even when they did show promise, as evidenced by Habroune’s disallowed goal and Arfsten’s strikes against the post and the crossbar, the luck was not on their side. The result means head coach Henrik Rydström has yet to taste victory at the helm of the Crew, with his side posting two draws and two losses to open the season. 

Up top, despite beginning the season in fine form, Wessam Abou Ali (2 goals, 1 assist) and Diego Rossi (2 goals), failed to provide goal contributions against Nashville SC and Chicago Fire in the previous matchweek. In both of those recent fixtures, the majority of the Black & Gold’s more threatening positions have come from wide players, such as Herrera, Arfsten, and Habroune. Rydström may look to tweak his tactics to ensure his forwards remain involved and return to their routine goalscoring ways.

Andre Gomes debuts in Black & Gold

Andre Gomes, a veteran international midfielder who has lifted silverware with Lionel Messi at FC Barcelona and with Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal, has found a new home with the Black & Gold, and he seems to fit right in. A solid debut performance saw Gomes record 89% pass accuracy (40/45), win 88% of his ground duels (7/8), and complete 100% of dribbles attempted (2/2). He looked poised, played smart passes, and oozed class with the ball at his feet. 

What’s next?

The Black & Gold are back on the road next weekend, facing Toronto FC on Saturday, March 21st at 1:00 pm ET at BMO Field. The match is available to stream on Apple TV.