Crew edges Nashville SC in return to winning ways

Columbus Crew SC recorded another tight win on Saturday night, defeating visiting Nashville SC 2-0 on a Pedro Santos goal and late Gyasi Zardes insurance finish. This was the Crew’s first-ever meeting with the Nashville expansion side and, it stands to reason, the first win.

The first 20 minutes of the game were nearly devoid of attacking excitement. Both teams defended aggressively. The result was a lack of flow as fouls and missed passes were far more common than consistent offense.

Columbus nearly created an early chance when Youness Mokhtar found fellow winger Luis Diaz as he broke past the Nashville backline in the seventh minute, but his chance was stopped by Joe Willis. After the save,…