The upcoming MLS regular season matchup features Nashville SC (2-0-1) traveling to face Columbus Crew SC (0-1-2) in an Eastern Conference clash. Nashville enters with momentum from a hot start, boasting the league’s top-scoring attack early in 2026, while Columbus looks to snap a winless run and capitalize on home advantage at Lower.com Field. This promises an entertaining contest with Nashville’s finishing prowess clashing against Columbus’ need for defensive solidity.
Venue Location
Lower.com Field (also known as Scotts-Miracle-Gro Field in some listings), Columbus, Ohio. This 20,000-capacity soccer-specific stadium, opened in 2021, provides an intimate and intense atmosphere for Crew supporters in the heart of the Arena District.
Kickoff is scheduled for 6:15 p.m. ET (3:15 p.m. PT / 5:15 p.m. CT). The match will be available on FS1 and Apple TV (MLS Season Pass), with local radio options for both fanbases.
Weather Updates
Forecast for kickoff at Lower.com Field calls for mild spring conditions, with temperatures around 54°F (12°C). Expect partly cloudy skies, light winds from the south at 5-10 mph, and low humidity with minimal precipitation risk (under 10%). These comfortable conditions should allow for open, attacking play without weather-related disruptions. The stadium’s design offers good protection from any light breezes.
Injury Report
Injuries could influence lineups, particularly in midfield and attack for both sides.
Columbus Crew SC Injuries/Suspensions:
- Out: Mohamed Farsi (pelvic injury), Zack Steffen (shoulder, goalkeeper depth impact).
- Questionable: None prominently listed recently.
- No suspensions reported.
Columbus’ backline and goalkeeping options are thinned, potentially forcing reliance on backups and impacting build-up play.
Nashville SC Injuries/Suspensions:
- Out: Chris Applewhite (leg), Fabian Herbers (lower body).
- Questionable: Charles-Emile Brunet (illness), Sam Surridge (illness), Xavier Valdez (illness).
- No suspensions.
Nashville’s attack remains potent, but illness concerns for key pieces like Surridge could test depth if they miss out.
Key Player Matchups to Watch
Key battles will shape the game’s tempo and outcome.
- Sam Surridge (Nashville Forward) vs. Columbus Center Backs (e.g., Malte Amundsen or Rudy Camacho): Surridge has been clinical early, contributing to Nashville’s league-leading goals. His physicality and finishing will challenge Columbus’ backline, which has conceded five in three games.
- Cucho Hernández (Columbus Forward) vs. Nashville’s Backline (e.g., Walker Zimmerman): Hernández remains a dangerous threat despite the slow start. Zimmerman’s aerial dominance and organization will be crucial in containing Columbus’ counters.
- Hany Mukhtar (Nashville Midfielder) vs. Columbus Midfield (e.g., Darlington Nagbe): Mukhtar’s creativity and set-piece ability could unlock defenses. Nagbe’s experience in controlling tempo will aim to disrupt Nashville’s transitions.
These duels highlight Nashville’s attacking edge against Columbus’ need to regain form.
Recent Team Forms
Nashville SC (Last 3 MLS: W-D-W):
- March 7: 3-1 win vs. Minnesota United (home) – Dominant performance with clinical finishing.
- Feb. 28: 0-0 draw at FC Dallas (away) – Solid defensively on the road.
- Earlier win highlighted strong start with high goal output.
Nashville boasts the league’s best offensive form, unbeaten and scoring freely.
Columbus Crew SC (Last 3 MLS: D-D-L):
- March 8: 0-0 draw vs. Chicago Fire (home) – Frustrating shutout.
- March 1: 2-2 draw at Sporting Kansas City (away) – Competitive but leaky.
- Feb. 21: Loss in opener.
Columbus has points from draws but lacks a win, with defensive issues evident.
Series History
Since Nashville joined MLS in 2020, the teams have met 11-13 times (sources vary slightly on count):
- Columbus Crew: 4 wins
- Nashville SC: 3-5 wins (Nashville holds slight recent edge)
- Draws: 4
- Goals average around 2.5-3 per game.
Recent encounters have been competitive and often low-scoring or draws. Nashville has performed well in away games against Columbus historically. Expect a balanced, tactical battle.
Betting Trends
- Nashville SC: Strong ATS early (unbeaten); over 2.5 in recent home wins but under on road draw. Excellent as underdogs/away.
- Columbus Crew: Mixed ATS (draw-heavy); under 2.5 in recent home game. Struggling to cover as favorites.
- Head-to-Head Trends: Even split recently; draws common (around 30-35%); BTTS in about 50% of meetings.
- Overall MLS Early 2026: Home teams winning ~50%; unders hitting frequently in balanced matchups.
MATCH ODDS
Nashville SC + 220
Columbus Crew SC – 105
Draw + 280
Over 2.5 – 125 Under 2.5 – 105
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, March 13, 2026
