WASHINGTON, DC – Nashville SC went up by two against DC United before giving up two goals in the second half. It was a cagey affair that saw DC United trouble the Boys in Gold in multiple ways, especially in the second half.
The vibe check (TL;DR)
- What happened: Nashville controlled the ball for most of the first half, but DC looked dangerous from the counter. The breakthrough for the Boys in Gold came in the 32nd minute, then eight minutes later they added another. After going up by two, it was United's turn to showcase their quality. DC were able to get two goals, and if it wasn't for a couple of heroic saves, it could've been worse for Nashville.
- What we learned: Nashville are still not "back." The struggles have been clear since the return from the break, but giving up a two-goal lead after a loss sets a bad precedent for the rest of the season.
- Big picture: Nashville still lead the Supporters' Shield race, but they weren't able to further the distance between them and the teams breathing down their necks.
Key moments
- 27' | DC United with a dangerous counter that ends with a Louis Muteanu close-range effort saved by Brian Schwake.
- 29' | Hany Mukhtar drives towards the goal and plays a ball into the box, which is then deflected by Brandon Servania's arm. The referee whistles for the penalty.
- 32' | Sam Surridge converts the penalty at the bottom-right corner. Nashville up 1-0.
- 40' | Great effort by Mukhtar to turn his man and play the ball to Shak Mohammed. His initial effort is blocked, but he scores the rebound. Nashville up 2-0.
- 56' | DC United get one back by Silvan Hefti. The ball is played from a corner and bounces a couple of times before getting to Hefti for the finish. 2-1 Nashville.
- 70' | Jeisson Palacios slips in his own box and gives an easy chance for Tai Baribo, but Schwake is there again to save his effort.
- 77' | Louis Munteanu assists Baribo from the ground for United's equalizer.
- 79' | Another big save from Schwake, this time from Munteanu
- 81' | Surridge finds himself at the edge of the box with a good opportunity, but his effort goes high and misses the target.
- 89' | Joao Peglow's effort kisses the post and goes wide.
- 91' | Another shot from Surridge goes wide, this time from close range.
Standout performers
- Hany Mukhtar might not officially get on the scoring sheet, but he set up both goals. It was his ball that caused the penalty and his creativity that allowed for Mohammed's opportunity.
- Brian Schwake came up with two huge saves, one in each half, to help Nashville keep the lead. He was again good on the ball.
- Dan Lovitz was solid throughout the match and provided support for Nashville on both sides of the ball.
Lineup notes
Jeisson Palacios, Dan Lovitz, Eddi Tagseth and Ahmed Qasem all returned to the starting lineup.
The biggest news came from the bench as new signing Elias Saad obtained his visa and was able to dress up in gold for the first time. Reed Baker-Whiting and Warren Madrigal were also in the matchday squad after missing the last three games due to injury.
In addition to Cristian Espinoza, Joe Wills and Patrick Yazbek, Alex Muyl was added to the injury report.
What it means
Perhaps the loss in Orlando was not just a hiccup? Nashville clearly have problems that they'll need to work on. The best-case scenario would be to use the Leagues Cup matches to gain some rhythm and get healthier.
Up next
Nashville return to Music City on Wednesday night for their Leagues Cup opener, where they'll take on Liga MX's Léon at Geodis Park.
Stats
Possession: DC 39.2% – 60.8% NSH
Shots: DC 17 – 10 NSH
Shots on goal: DC 7 – 12 NSH
Penalty kicks: DC 0 – 1 NSH
Goals: DC 2 – 2 NSH
Expected goals: DC 2.5 – 1.9 NSH
Total Passes: DC 311 – 508 NSH
Fouls: DC 14 – 10 NSH
Yellow cards: DC 2 – 3 NSH
Red cards: DC 0 – 0 NSH
Deserved win (per Futi): DC 42% – 30% NSH
