Hany Mukhtar’s Late Strike Marks 25,000th MLS Goal as Nashville SC Edges Columbus Crew 1-0
COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a thrilling finish at Lower.com Field on Saturday night, Hany Mukhtar delivered a momentous goal four minutes into second-half stoppage time, securing a 1-0 victory for Nashville SC over the Columbus Crew. The strike wasn’t just a game-winner—it also marked the 25,000th goal in Major League Soccer’s 29-year history.
Mukhtar, who entered the match at the start of the second half, showcased his trademark composure to notch his second goal of the season. The German midfielder has been a cornerstone for Nashville since joining the club, now tallying 84 goals in 183 appearances. His latest effort was assisted by Cristian Espinoza, who notched his second assist of the season, and defender Andy Nájar, who recorded his first.
The win lifts Nashville SC to an impressive 3-0-1 record early in the campaign, while the Crew remain winless at 0-2-2. Columbus has struggled offensively, failing to score in their last two home matches, including last week’s 0-0 draw with the Chicago Fire.
Goalkeeper Brian Schwake played a pivotal role in Nashville’s victory, making two crucial saves to earn his second clean sheet in just his fourth MLS start. The 34-year-old’s steady presence between the posts proved essential as Nashville weathered a physical first half.
The match was marked by disciplinary issues early on, with Nashville’s Jack Maher, Ahmed Qasem, and Woobens Pacius all receiving yellow cards before halftime. Head coach Gary Smith made tactical changes at the break, bringing on Sam Surridge and Mukhtar to inject fresh energy into the attack.
Despite the Crew’s efforts, they were unable to capitalize on opportunities. A potential breakthrough came in the 18th minute when Taha Habroune thought he had scored his first goal of the season. However, the play was ruled offside after a video review, denying the 20-year-old his moment.
The victory extends Nashville’s recent dominance over Columbus. Last season, the teams traded results—a 2-2 draw in Columbus and a 3-0 Nashville win at home—leaving their all-time series deadlocked at 4-4-4.
Looking ahead, Nashville SC will host Orlando City on Saturday, aiming to maintain their unbeaten start to the season. Meanwhile, the Crew travel to Toronto FC, seeking their first win of the year.
As Major League Soccer celebrates its milestone 25,000th goal, Mukhtar’s late heroics will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in the league’s storied history.
— Reported by Nexio News
