Brais Mendez is optimistic that the Columbus Crew’s fortunes will improve this season as they get ready to host Inter Miami at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field this weekend.
The Crew preserved their playoff aspirations with a solid 2-0 victory over CF Montreal, with goals from Mohamed Farsi and Mendez in the second half securing the win for Columbus.
Currently sitting 13th in the Eastern Conference, the Crew are six points behind FC Cincinnati, who occupy the ninth spot, but their win against Montreal snapped a two-game losing streak.
Additonally, Columbus is set to compete in the US Open Cup final on October 21 against St. Louis City SC, one of the top teams in the Western Conference.
Since joining the team on a three-year contract in July, Mendez has netted three goals in nine MLS matches, showcasing his skills with a standout free-kick against Montreal.
Mendez shared that he is still getting used to his new environment but believes that if the team can keep the momentum going, exciting times are ahead.
“Everything takes time, especially for me to adapt to my teammates, the club, the culture, and the heat of Columbus,” Mendez mentioned.
“The humidity here is quite different from Spain’s. I feel more connected with my teammates now and I’m thrilled to contribute to the team. I’m confident that good things are coming.”
“I anticipated that the goalkeeper expected me to cross, so I aimed to surprise him, placing my shot as far from him as possible. I struck it well and scored.”
A step in the right direction for our squad pic.twitter.com/scu1pWNlUA
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) September 20, 2026
Columbus faces a Miami side currently ranked third in the Eastern Conference, who recently drew 2-2 with San Diego FC, with Anders Dreyer equalizing in the 82nd minute.
Lionel Messi leveled the match after Dreyer’s opener, and Luis Suarez put Miami ahead in the 74th minute before they conceded again shortly thereafter.
However, Cristian Gonzalez will be without several key players, including Messi, who is gearing up for his final match with Argentina against Benin on October 6.
Other players like German Berterame, Fricio Caicedo, Rodrigo De Paul, Lovend’s Delinois, Matias Galarza, Daniel Pinter, Alex Shaw, and Dayne St. Clair are also on international duty, a situation Gonzalez acknowledges Miami must navigate.
“In such scenarios, having national team players means we need to adapt,” Gonzalez stated.
“With a squad that isn’t very deep, we have to find ways to put together a strong team ready to compete.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Columbus Crew – Brais Mendez
Mendez recently scored his second direct free-kick goal this season, contributing to the Crew’s total of three direct free-kick goals, a marked improvement from just one in the past three years.
He becomes the second player in the last decade to net multiple direct free-kick goals in a season for the Crew, following Lucas Zelarayan’s successes in 2021 and 2022.
Méndez makes it look easy
Still not over this strike from Brais pic.twitter.com/58X8PD8sgX
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) September 23, 2026
Inter Miami – Luis Suarez
Miami will need to adjust without Messi, who has previously scored four goals in four career matches against Columbus, including two braces.
Nevertheless, they have a strong alternative in Suarez, who has netted 13 goals in 22 appearances this season and has been involved in four goals against the Crew.
MATCH PREDICTION: INTER MIAMI WIN
Miami is currently unbeaten in their last eight regular-season encounters with Columbus (W6 D2), having not lost to the Crew since August 2022, marking their longest such streak against any opponent.
Since returning from the World Cup break, Miami has only managed one win in the eight matches in which Messi played a role (D5 L2). Prior to that stretch, their record with Messi’s contribution was 35 wins out of 46 league matches.
On the other hand, Columbus has managed only two wins in their last nine regular-season matches. They have only seen back-to-back league victories once since July 2025.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Columbus Crew – 33.7%
Draw – 23.2%
Inter Miami – 43.1%
Fan Take: This matchup not only highlights key players like Mendez and Suarez but also showcases the high stakes for both teams as they vie for playoff positions. The absence of star players for Miami adds an intriguing layer, as fans will be eager to see how the team adapts and if Columbus can build on their recent momentum in the season’s final stretch.
Source: www.soccernews.com
