Entering second-half stoppage time, Columbus Crew were minutes away from a massive win – three points on the road against Nashville SC, the runaway Supporters’ Shield leaders.
But then the visitors conceded twice in as many minutes and, in post-match interviews, spent time saying how this result is a learning lesson for the Club to build upon.
“Facing the best team in the league that's been together for three years, it's a completely different style of product,” interim head coach Laurent Courtois said following the 3-2 loss at Nashville SC. “I would say we are a work in progress where they are in their final form. For them to push the last few minutes was expected, but the guys are capable of handling those situations better. I'm really pleased with – of course, not the result – the performance and how they carry themselves after the last game that was unfortunate.”
But there were plenty of bright spots for the visitors.
After conceding first, Mohamed Farsi leveled the match with his first goal of the season in the 58th minute by converting a low strike to the back post.
Ten minutes later, André Gomes recorded his first MLS goal with a wonderful long-range free kick into the bottom right corner.
Gomes’ goal marked the Crew’s second goal via a direct free kick, after Brais Méndez scored in his debut at Inter Miami CF on Aug. 1. The goal was also the Club’s sixth score off a set piece – all occurring in the past month.
From there, Columbus closed in on three points before the late Nashville rally.
“I mean, it's very hard mentally to concede two goals in two minutes, but we have to bounce back,” Faris said. "We have no choice but to bounce back. We have a game on Wednesday against Club América in Los Angeles. I mean it’s hard, but you just have to think about the next game on Wednesday and make adjustments.”
As Farsi mentioned, there’s no time to look back.
The Crew will now turn their attention toward a new competition, as they travel across the country for Leagues Cup. On Wednesday night, they’ll face Liga MX giants Club América in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals. Kickoff is set for 10:45 p.m. ET.
The Black & Gold return to ScottsMiracle-Gro Field on Saturday night, when they host the New England Revolution. Be there.