Recap: Nashville make statement with Columbus demolition

NASHVILLE, TN - Nashville SC bounced back spectacularly from their loss in Miami last weekend, dropping three goals on the Columbus Crew in a statement showing, putting in one of the most complete performances they've had under BJ Callaghan.

The XI

Head coach BJ Callaghan made a couple key changes to his lineup. Captain Walker Zimmerman got the start for the first time since playing with the United States in the Gold Cup. Jonny Pérez also slotted back into the lineup after serving a single-match red card suspension.

On the pitch

Donning their new Nashville Nostalgia kits for the first time, the Coyotes took no time to open the scoring. A quick passing move started with Joe Willis and ended at the feet of Alex Muyl, who saw his cross deflected by Sean Zawadzki for an own goal.

After a smattering of chances at both ends, Nashville doubled the lead through their three All-Stars. Andy Nájar pinged a ridiculous volley into space for Sam Surridge, and the striker curled a gorgeous cross into the path of Hany Mukhtar for a tap-in.

Despite having less than 40% possession, Nashville continued to torment Columbus in transition. Mukhtar, Surridge and Pérez consistently found space in the final third, and they continued to create high quality looks at goal. As the match wore on, a third goal grew increasingly necessary, with Columbus more than capable of pulling one back.

They found it in the 82nd minute. Nájar found substitute Ahmed Qasem on the edge of the box with an enticing slip pass, and the Swede beat a defender before setting up Surridge on a platter for his 17th of the season.

Goals

• 2' | NSH | Sean Zawadzki (OG)
• 30' | NSH | Hany Mukhtar
• 82' | NSH | Sam Surridge

The big picture

This was a huge – even massive – win from Nashville. After Saturday's loss in Miami, Nashville were frustrated. "We didn't believe they got our best punch," said Callaghan.

Columbus got their best punch. Nashville showed how dangerous they can be, and how methodically they can exploit space. Don't have a ton of possession? No problem. They'll just go direct and get in behind the backline. Need to slow the tempo down and keep the ball for two, three, four minute stretches? They can do that too.

Nashville made a crucial tactical tweak to counter the Crew's ability in midfield. Alex Muyl pinched into midfield, forming a trio with Eddi Tagseth and Patrick Yazbek. Pérez played higher, forming a front three next to Surridge and Mukhtar. This allowed Nashville more bodies in midfield to regain possession, and also left numbers forward to hit in transition.

Callaghan's streak of beating teams in his second attempt is incredible this season. Nashville have won all seven matches when facing a team for the second time this year. That bodes well for the 'Yotes down the stretch.

Up next

Nashville are back at home on Saturday, taking on 13th-placed Toronto FC at Geodis Park.

Stats

Possession: NSH 37% – 63% CLB
Total Passes: NSH 344 – 606 CLB
Shots: NSH 10 – 21 CLB
Shots on goal: NSH 4 – 4 CLB
Penalty kicks: NSH 0 – 0 CLB
Goals: NSH 3 – 0 CLB
Expected goals: NSH 2.22 – 1.51 CLB
Fouls: NSH 13 – 3 CLB
Yellow cards: NSH 1 – 1 CLB
Red cards: NSH 0 – 0 CLB
Announced attendance: 28,254

Highlights