COLUMBUS – The Columbus Crew suffered another heartbreaking defeat Saturday night, falling 3-2 to Nashville SC after surrendering two goals in the final two minutes of second-half stoppage time. Columbus appeared to have the match under control after taking a 2-1 lead, but a stunning late collapse allowed Nashville to complete the comeback and steal all three points.

Nashville opened the scoring in the first half through Hany Mukhtar, putting Columbus behind early and forcing the Crew to chase the match. Mukhtar’s goal gave Nashville momentum, while Columbus struggled to consistently create dangerous opportunities as the opening half progressed. The Black & Gold struggled to build up steam in the final third, with chances having no successful end to them.

Nashville would carry that lead with them into the break as Columbus had 45 minutes to attempt securing their first ever win at Geodis Park.

The second half started much better for the Crew, and their final-third play became more convincing. The Crew responded after halftime, eventually finding their equalizer through Mohamed Farsi. The goal gave Columbus renewed energy and helped shift momentum back in the visitors’ favor. After leveling the match, the Crew continued to push forward in search of a second goal.

That breakthrough came in spectacular fashion.

Andre Gomes stepped up for a free kick from roughly 35 yards out and delivered one of the highlights of the match. Gomes struck the ball cleanly, sending it into the net past Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake, and giving Columbus a 2-1 advantage. The goal appeared to put the Crew in position to leave Nashville with a crucial road victory.

Instead, the final moments completely changed the story.

Nashville continued to push forward as Columbus attempted to protect its lead. The Crew struggled to regain control of possession and allowed Nashville to dictate the tempo during second-half stoppage time. That lack of control ultimately proved disastrous.

Reed Baker-Whiting found the equalizer to make it 2-2 on a corner kick set piece, giving Nashville new life with virtually no time remaining. Rather than settling for the draw, Nashville immediately continued attacking, and Andy Najar completed the remarkable comeback with the winning goal.

In the span of just two minutes, Columbus went from holding a 2-1 lead to trailing 3-2.

The late collapse will be particularly frustrating for the Crew because they had done enough to put themselves in position to win. Farsi’s equalizer and Gomes’ spectacular free kick gave Columbus the response it needed after falling behind, but the inability to manage the final moments ultimately cost them.

Allowing Nashville to control the ball in stoppage time gave the home side the opportunity it needed. Instead of seeing out the match and protecting the lead, Columbus was forced into a frantic defensive scramble that ended with two goals against them.

The 3-2 loss adds another difficult result to a challenging stretch for the Crew. Columbus will need to regroup quickly and find a way to close out matches if it hopes to turn promising performances into points as the 2026 MLS season slowly draws to a close.

What’s Next?

The Columbus Crew are set to travel to Carson, California, on Monday before taking on Club America in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Leagues Cup. Kickoff from Dignity Health Sports Park is Wednesday, August 26, at 10:45 p.m. EDT. You can watch the match on Apple TV.