NASHVILLE, TN – Nashville SC couldn't maintain their momentum in the Concacaf Champions Cup, falling 1-0 to Tigres UANL in the first leg of their Semifinal series.
The vibe check (TL;DR)
- What happened: Despite a positive start, Nashville struggled to match the tempo and intensity from the visitors across the 90 minutes. The Boys In Gold kept possession, but were unable to create much of note against an organized defense, and needed a standout showing from Brian Schwake to keep the deficit to a single goal.
- What we learned: With Sam Surridge a surprise injury absence, Nashville badly missed a target presence in the box, with Warren Madrigal unable to deal with many of the crosses that were pumped at him. Against a Tigres side with six or seven DP-caliber players on the pitch, missing a player of Surridge's quality was a difficult blow to deal with.
- Big picture: Nashville aren't out of the series, although they have a mountain to climb in Monterrey next Tuesday. With Tigres holding an away goal, Nashville will need a 1-0 win to take the match to extra time, or a win in which they score at least two goals.
Key moments
- 6' | Hany Mukhtar heads the ball in from close range to apparently give the 'Yotes an early lead, but Reed Baker-Whiting was caught offside in the buildup, failing to get level with his defender on a simple pass from Alex Muyl.
- 30' | Brian Schwake makes maybe the most impressive save of his young Nashville career, kicking out to block a point-blank range strike from Juan Brunetta.
- 33' | Tigres capitalize on the shifting momentum to take the lead. Nashville can't get hold of a loose ball on top of their penalty area, and Ángel Correa rifles in a shot past an outstretched Schwake.
- 49' | Another incredible save from Schwake, reacting quickly to a deflection to parry a shot from substitute Marcelo Flores wide.
Standout performers
- Brian Schwake was in stellar form, making six saves and nearly keeping Correa's shot out of the goal. One kick save, in particular, was his best in a Nashville shirt. The young 'keeper did everything that could be asked of him against an opponent of Tigres's caliber.
- Jeisson Palacios held his own against one of the more imposing attacks he's faced in his career, and was a consistent driving presence in possession.
- It wasn't a vintage performance from Hany Mukhtar, but he was a class above any other Nashville attacker and created what few moments of danger Nashville had. He unfortunately didn't have much help.
Lineup notes
Sam Surridge was a surprise absence, missing the squad entirely with a back injury. Nashville badly missed his presence in the box.
What it means
This was one of the toughest tests Nashville have ever faced at Geodis Park, and while they weren't incredibly far off, they were clearly a step below their opponent. Holding Tigres to a single goal is a small silver lining, but the loss puts them at a major disadvantage heading into the return leg.
Up next
The 'Yotes will travel to Philadelphia Union on Saturday looking to keep their MLS form going, while also trying to stay ready for Tuesday's vital return leg in Monterrey.
Stats
Possession: NSH 58% – 42% TIG
Shots: NSH 9 – 13 TIG
Shots on goal: NSH 2 – 7 TIG
Penalty kicks: NSH 0 – 0 TIG
Goals: NSH 0 – 0 TIG
Expected goals: NSH 0.32 – 1.68 TIG
Total Passes: NSH 457 – 323 TIG
Fouls: NSH 13 – 12 TIG
Yellow cards: NSH 1 – 3 TIG
Red cards: NSH 0 – 0 TIG
Announced attendance:
