Recap: Nashville fall 2-0 to Austin in controversy-filled night

NASHVILLE, TN – Nashville SC couldn’t get a result in BJ Callaghan’s first MLS match in charge, falling 2-0 to Austin FC after a first-half incident involving Patrick Yazbek soured the evening.

The XI

There were no real surprises in Callaghan’s selection, with Nashville maintaining their typical 4-2-3-1 shape.

Josh Bauer was once again selected ahead of Jack Maher, partnering captain Walker Zimmerman on his return from international duty.

On the pitch

Nashville started quite brightly, going at Austin in the first 10 minutes and earning an early penalty after an exceedingly lengthy VAR review. Hany Mukhtar, once automatic from the spot, saw his effort saved off the post by Brad Stuver, his second miss from his last four attempts.

20 minutes later, more controversy struck. Patrick Yazbek was substituted after a lengthy discussion between referee Rosendo Mendoza and captains Alex Ring and Walker Zimmerman, and eventually both head coaches. The incident stemmed from allegations that Yazbek used “abusive language”, according to the broadcast, with the two teams opting to voluntarily remove the midfielder and continue playing.

Just before the 11 minutes of first-half added time, Austin struck. Ring won the ball from Brian Anunga and played an inch-perfect pass through a gaping Nashville defense, putting Jon Gallaher through on goal for a simple finish.

Nashville pushed hard for an equalizer in the second half. They were bolstered by a standout showing from substitute Jonathan Pérez. The 21-year-old winger, who joined on loan from LA Galaxy this summer, was electric on the ball, cutting inside from the left wing to combine with Mukhtar on the edge of the box.

Nashville did do a better job getting the ball into dangerous areas, touching the ball 33 times in Austin’s box and coming close several times. The final touch or pass was just missing, but the signs of improvement were there.

Unfortunately, another mistake ended any chance Nashville had at a result. A poor touch from substitute Amar Sejdić gifted winger Osman Bukari a path to goal, rounding an onrushing Joe Willis and slotting into an empty net.

Callaghan’s first win in charge will have to wait, while Nashville slip to 14th place in the Eastern Conference, ahead of last-placed DC United only on goal difference.

The big picture

The incident with Patrick Yazbek was the main talking point from the night. There’s no concrete information on what was said, despite plenty of speculation on the internet. Seconds before BJ Callaghan took the post-match podium, Nashville released a statement, saying “the club is in close communication with Major League Soccer… and will refrain from making any further comments until the league concludes its investigation.”

Without more concrete information, it’s pointless to speculate. However, past incidents have resulted in suspensions. We’ll have more information as soon as it becomes available.

Up next

Nashville SC will travel to seventh placed Orlando City next Saturday, kicking off at 6:30 pm CT from Inter&Co Stadium.

Stats

Possession: NSH 59% – 41% ATX
Passes completed: NSH 423 – 282 ATX
Shots: NSH 18 – 15 ATX
Shots on goal: NSH 7 – 6 ATX
Penalty kicks: NSH 1 – 0 ATX
Expected goals: NSH 2.21 – 1.93 ATX
Goals: NSH 0 – 2 ATX
Fouls: NSH 12 – 12 ATX
Yellow cards: NSH 1 – 3 ATX
Red cards: NSH 0 – 0 ATX