Nashville SC heads to Columbus with an eye on revival after recent setbacks. The squad anticipates breaking their losing streak in the upcoming midweek MLS duel against Columbus Crew.
Nashville SC’s caretaker boss, Rumba Munthali, targets rejuvenating the squad into a formidable force. Miami halted their troika of undefeated games last Saturday, frustrating Nashville’s hopes for a revival after the halftime intermission.
Now perched in the seventh slot in the Eastern Conference, looming contenders are inching closer, threatening their playoff position. Despite the setback, Munthali holds a sanguine outlook, intent on enhancing the team’s capabilities.
Reflecting on the Miami match, he critiqued their approach to defense and the initial approach to scoring opportunities. “Post-interval, we rallied back, showcasing grit, which I highly applaud,” Munthali expressed.
Munthali’s coaching ethos remains firm. “Enhancing player skills sits at the core of my responsibilities, now more so from the head coach’s purview,” he shared, emphasizing his dedication to player development.
Columbus extends three points above Nashville with a total of 33 to their name. Under their belt are two consecutive victories, aggregating a 9-1 scoreline. Such results owed significantly to Cucho Hernandez, who staggeringly netted half of those scores. Columbus coach Wilfried Nancy lauded Hernandez, not only for his goal-scoring antics but also for generating play opportunities.
PLAYERS TO SPOTLIGHT
Columbus Crew – Cucho Hernandez
Hernandez shines as Columbus’s luminary this season, particularly noticeable in the last couple of matches.
Nashville SC – Tyler Boyd
Boyd recently marked his season’s first goal triumph against New York City FC. Although not repeating that feat against Miami, he remained active, leading his team in attempted shots.
GAME OUTLOOK: Lean toward Columbus Crew claiming victory
In their past encounters in MLS, Columbus clinched three out of eight, including a clean 2-0 victory in their latest home game against Nashville in June 2023.
Following a slump from late March through early May, Columbus has found form, losing just once in their subsequent seven MLS fixtures. Meanwhile, Nashville boasts a sturdy record in their last four away games, concealing their nets except in a single match—a 2-1 conquest over Toronto FC. They aspire to topple Columbus, a feat unachieved since April 2022.
WIN LIKELIHOODS
Columbus Crew – 58.2%
Draw – 27.18%
Nashville SC – 20%
