Major League Soccer
Nashville SC snatch dramatic late winner over Columbus Crew
Hirving Mukhtar's opener and two stoppage-time strikes seal a 3-2 home victory at Geodis Park.
Nashville SC rode a brace of stoppage-time goals to overturn a 2-1 deficit and secure a thrilling 3-2 win over visiting Columbus Crew at Geodis Park. The result lifts Nashville to the top of the Eastern Conference on 46 points after 20 games, while Columbus remain mired in 12th place with just 20 points.
The hosts made the breakthrough in the 27th minute when Hirving Mukhtar slotted home a well-worked goal, assisted by D. Lovitz. Nashville's early dominance was tempered before halftime when Lovitz picked up a yellow card in the 39th minute for a reckless challenge.
Columbus emerged from the break with renewed urgency and levelled the tie in the 58th minute. M. Farsi fired home from close range, with M. Amundsen providing the assist. The Crew's momentum grew when A. Gomes added a second goal in the 68th minute, though no assist was credited for the strike.
With the home crowd sensing defeat, Nashville pressed desperately for an equaliser. Their efforts paid off in the third minute of stoppage time when R. Baker-Whiting tapped in from point-blank range, with Mukhtar claiming the assist. The stadium erupted as the clock ticked towards full time.
In the fifth minute of added time, A. Najar completed the dramatic turnaround. J. Palacios crossed from the left and Najar steered the ball past the goalkeeper to spark wild celebrations among the home supporters.
Columbus had little choice but to settle for a point as Nashville's late surge left them reeling. C. Ruvalcaba was shown a yellow card in the 49th minute for the Crew, but it proved insufficient to stem the tide.
Referee Victor Rivas of the United States allowed six minutes of added time, and it was enough for Nashville to engineer one of the most memorable finishes of the Regular Season - 21 fixtures. The victory moves them clear at the summit of the Eastern Conference, while Columbus must regroup quickly from a painful collapse.
Both teams will reflect on contrasting outcomes: Nashville celebrating a resilience that yielded three points, and Columbus rueing missed opportunities in the final third. The result underlines the fine margins that define this season's playoff race.