In a highly anticipated MLS clash, Inter Miami CF secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Columbus Crew at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio, on Saturday, April 19. Benjamin Cremaschi’s 30th-minute strike proved the difference in a match that drew a Columbus Crew club record crowd of 60,614 spectators.
Record Attendance in Cleveland
The massive turnout at Huntington Bank Field shattered previous attendance records for the Columbus Crew, highlighting the growing popularity of soccer in Ohio and the drawing power of this matchup’s biggest name, Lionel Messi. Fans packed the stadium, creating an electric atmosphere despite ultimately witnessing their home team fall short. The home of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns was, for one day, painted in yellow, black, and pink instead of the stadium’s typical orange and brown. For Columbus, this was a chance to introduce their style of play to a wider audience in a different market than they normally play.
Match Highlights
From the first whistle, it was clear that this game was going to be a carefully fought battle between two of the Eastern Conference’s strongest teams. Columbus’s fast-paced, possession-based attack seemed to slow to a crawl as Miami sat deep and looked to spring counterattacks while working the ball to their star players. Messi fans in the stadium were encouraged by some early darting runs and shots on goal, but Columbus’s Patrick Schulte was able to parry the shots wide of the net. Columbus answered with big chances of their own from both Dániel Gazdag and Max Arfsten.
The match’s defining moment came in the 30th minute when Miami’s Benjamin Cremaschi found the back of the net off of a perfect cross into the 18 yard box. His goal silenced the record setting crowd and ultimately proved to be the only score in a tightly contested affair. The young midfielder’s clinical finish demonstrated why he has become an increasingly important figure for the Miami side.
Despite numerous attacking opportunities for both sides throughout the remaining hour of play, defenses held firm with goalkeepers making crucial saves to keep the scoreline unchanged. Columbus pressed hard for an equalizer, particularly in the last 30 minutes of the match, but the team could not find the back of the net despite multiple chances.
Implications
The victory strengthens Inter Miami’s position in the Eastern Conference standings as they continue their campaign, while Columbus will look to rebound from this disappointing home defeat. For the Crew, despite the loss, the record attendance figures represent a significant milestone for the organization’s growth and fan engagement efforts.
Match Details
Competition: Major League Soccer
Date: 4/19/2025
Venue: Huntington Bank Field
Kickoff Time: 4:30 PM ET
Lineups
Columbus Crew SC: P. Schulte, M. Arfsten, M. Amundsen (Y. Cheberko, 68’), S. Moreira (A. Herrera, 90’ + 1). M. Farsi, S. Zawadzki, D. Nagbe, D. Chambost (A. Jackson, 76’); D. Gazdag, J. Russell-Rowe, D. Rossi
Inter Miami CF: O. Ustari, J. Alba, N. Allen, G. Luján, M. Weigandt (T. Avilés, 77’), S. Busquets, Y. Bright (M. Falcón, 77’), T. Allende (F. Picault, 77’), B. Cremaschi (D. Martínez, 88’), L. Messi, L. Suárez (T. Segovia, 68’)
Goals
30’ – Benjamin Cremaschi (Inter Miami)
