Introduction
On Saturday, March 14, Lower.com Field will play host to an important Eastern Conference clash as Columbus Crew take on Nashville SC at 5:15 PM ET. Columbus, who currently sit 11th in the conference with two draws and one loss (W0 D2 L1, 2pts), are eager to secure their first victory of the 2026 MLS season. Meanwhile, Nashville SC, positioned second in the East with an unbeaten record of two wins and one draw (W2 D1 L0, 7pts), looks to maintain their early-season momentum despite recently dropping points against Inter Miami. The Crew have a full squad available with the notable exception of injured Dylan Chambost and Mohamed Farsi, while Nashville will be without Xavier Valdez but presumably have Sam Surridge fit to feature.
Best Bets & Predictions
Given Nashville SC’s efficient offense and Columbus Crew’s troubles finishing chances, here are our primary betting suggestions for this matchup. Confidence is high in Nashville securing at least a point thanks to their strong defense and the electric form of striker Sam Surridge.
| Bet | Odds & Sportsbook | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville SC Double Chance (Win or Draw) | Bet365 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Nashville remain unbeaten with only one draw, while Columbus have yet to claim a win. The visitors have conceded just two goals in three matches, signaling strong defensive control. |
| Both Teams to Score: Yes | Bet365 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Both squads average over one goal per game, with recent head-to-head clashes typically featuring multiple goals. |
| Sam Surridge to Score Anytime | Bet365 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Surridge leads Nashville’s attack with four goals in three games and boasts a perfect take-on success rate. |
| Over 2.5 Total Goals | Bet365 -175 (63.6%) | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Matches involving Nashville have averaged three goals each, and Columbus have conceded three goals over three games, pointing to an open, attacking contest. |
Season Form & Standings
The current 2026 MLS regular season standings have Nashville SC sitting second in the Eastern Conference with a strong start of two wins and one draw, accumulating seven points and holding a +5 goal difference. Columbus Crew, on the other hand, are struggling near the bottom of the table with two points from two draws and one loss, placing them 11th in the East.
MLS Eastern Conference 2026
| Team | Pos | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville SC | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 2 | +5 | 7 |
| Columbus Crew | 11 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 5 | -1 | 2 |
Potential Match-Winners
- Sam Surridge (Nashville SC): Leading scorer with four goals in three matches, maintains a 100% successful take-on rate, and has been heavily involved in the attacking third.
- Ibrahim Aliyu (Columbus Crew): Key offensive threat, averaging two shots per game with intelligent movement inside the box.
- Many Okonkwo (Columbus Crew): Showed strong form recently with four goals in his last five MLS games.
- Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew): Consistent contributor on carries and dribbles advancing play.
- Andre Gomes (Columbus Crew): Newly signed midfielder with vast experience, expected to add creativity and stability to the midfield.
- Nariman Akhundzade (Columbus Crew): New attacking recruit who could provide fresh impetus for Columbus upfront.
Head-to-Head
Historically, these teams have been closely matched, with Nashville holding a slight advantage in nine meetings all-time—winning three, losing two, and drawing four matches. Last season, Nashville recorded a convincing home victory, though draws have been common in this rivalry.
Prediction
Columbus Crew 1-2 Nashville SC
More MLS stats and standings: MLS standings 2026 | Top scorers | Assist leaders | Full MLS stats hub