Nashville SC midfielder Cristian Espinoza and head coach BJ Callaghan were named to Major League Soccer's Team of Matchday 27 following their 3-0 win over Chicago Fire on Saturday.
Matchday 27’s finest. 🌟
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 21, 2026
Team of the Matchday pres. by @Audi
✏️: https://t.co/eKGrgv9p1V pic.twitter.com/n3ldHlqzY4
Espinoza scored a crucial coal in the 78th minute to double Nashville's lead, effectively sealing the game, with a viscious strike to whip in a cutback from Andy Nájar. He set up Hany Mukhtar's goal a few minutes later to cap off the game, picking the ball up just outside his own penalty area, driving forward, and laying off for Mukhtar to curl home.
Callaghan has led Nashville to a second-consecutive playoff appearance, and their sixth playoff berth in seven seasons in Major League Soccer. In 37 matches in all competitions this season, Callaghan's side have won 21 matches, scoring 67 goals and losing just seven matches. They've won 12 of their 13 league matches at Geodis Park, the lone unbeaten side at home in MLS this year.
Espinoza's inclusion is his second Team of the Matchday award of the 2026 season, and the fifth for Callaghan.
Nashville SC 2026 Team of the Matchday selections
BJ Callaghan | Matchday 5, Matchday 13, Matchday 20, Matchday 23, Matchday 27
Bryan Acosta | Matchday 13
Cristian Espinoza | Matchday 13 (bench), Matchday 27
Warren Madrigal | Matchday 1 (bench), Matchday 12
Hany Mukhtar | Matchday 9 (bench), Matchday 14 (POTW), Matchday 20 (POTW), Matchday 22, Matchday 23
Andy Nájar | Matchday 9, Matchday 12, Matchday 20 (bench), Matchday 22
Jeisson Palacios | Matchday 13 (bench)
Elias Saad | Matchday 20
Brian Schwake | Matchday 14 (bench), Matchday 23
Sam Surridge | Matchday 1, Matchday 3, Matchday 5 (POTW), Matchday 9, Matchday 23 (Bench), Matchday 26
Maxwell Woledzi | Matchday 4 (bench), Matchday 21, Matchday 24 (bench)
Patrick Yazbek | Matchday 3 (bench)
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