Another match, another clean sheet.
Nashville SC left it late against the Columbus Crew at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field Saturday night, securing an extra-time 1-0 win that continues the Boys in Gold’s unbeaten start to 2026 and hands goalkeeper Brian Schwake his fourth clean sheet in six games in 2026. With the win, the Boys in Gold sit tied for first in the Eastern Conference standings with 10 points, having scored nine goals to just two conceded.
Nashville opted for a rotated starting XI against Columbus after Wednesday’s Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 clash. Woobens Pacius, Ahmed Qasem and Warren Madrigal anchored a fully changed front line in place of Sam Surridge, Hany Mukhtar and Cristian Espinoza, respectively, while Jack Maher, Josh Bauer and Dan Lovitz deputized for Jeisson Palacios, Andy Najar and Reed Baker-Whiting in defense, respectively, alongside Bryan Acosta, Eddi Tagseth and Alex Muyl in midfield.
This lineup performed admirably against a full-strength Columbus lineup, forcing the Crew into a series of impressive saves and last-gasp tackles throughout an evenly matched opening half.
The Crew thought they had seized the early advantage in the 20th minute through Taha Habroune, but the goal was called off after a VAR review for offside in the build-up. Nashville stemmed the tide until halftime with some stout defense and a few near misses in attack. Jack Maher came closest for Nashville with a close-range header off a corner kick in the 38th minute, but his effort was parried away, sending both teams into the locker room knotted at 0-0.
Columbus found few opportunities to open the scoring beyond its waved-off goal, a testament to the strength and astute positioning of Nashville’s defense. Maxwell Woledzi, starting alongside Jack Maher for the first time this season, was his typically stout self in the center of the park, making the most of his rapid recovery speed and imposing frame to repel most long balls Columbus sent his way. Schwake — undefeated in the first 12 starts of his Nashville career — also played at the peak of his game Saturday, dominating the visiting net with his quick reactions and sprawling dives.
Head coach B.J. Callaghan opted for a couple vital substitutions out of halftime, inserting Sam Surridge and Hany Mukhtar in place of Pacius and Qasem, respectively. Nashville continued to threaten with two of its Designated Players in the lineup, causing Columbus’ defense constant problems with their incisive runs and energetic press. The addition of Patrick Yazbek in place of Acosta added extra energy to Nashville’s midfield as well, setting the stage for a winner-take-all last half-hour of play.
The injection of Cristian Espinoza just after the 67th minute added even more offensive impetus to Nashville, which held most of the possession — and the attacking chances — throughout the end of the match.
That increased pressure paid dividends as the clock neared full-time, with Espinoza’s crafty work down the right-wing enabling Mukhtar to find space in the center of the box to slide home Nashville’s winner. That goal contribution marked Mukhtar’s 150th in MLS, the most among active players.
The Boys in Gold return to action on Wednesday, heading to South Florida for the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 against Inter Miami at 6:00 p.m. CT, ahead of an MLS homecoming against Orlando City on Saturday at 5:15 p.m. CT at GEODIS Park.
