NASHVILLE, TN – Nashville SC came back from the World Cup break with a rivalry win over Atlanta United. It was an ugly, scrappy, disjointed performance, but a second-half header from Shak Mohammed saw the 'Yotes take all three points.
The vibe check (TL;DR)
- What happened: Nashville and Atlanta both looked like teams that hadn't played in 54 days, but the extent of Nashville's struggles were surprising. They hardly threatened the goal in the first half, with plenty of poor touches and sloppy passes plaguing them.
- What we learned: Just as they did before the break, Nashville were able to grind out a win, even when outplayed. Was it ugly? Sure. Do the three points count the same? Absolutely they do.
- Big picture: The win extends Nashville's points tally to 36 points from 15 matches, four points ahead of Vancouver Whitecaps in the Supporters' Shield race.
Key moments
- 60' | Brian Schwake makes an unreal save from point-blank range, reflexively reaching out an arm to deny Luke Brennan from the edge of the six-yard box.
- 69' | Hany Mukhtar attempts to curl a shot in from a free kick, but Lucas Hoyos tips it over the bar.
- 75' | Miguel Almirón and substitute Jeisson Palacios get into a light tussle after some words were exchanged off the ball. Players from both sides get involved, bringing some entertainment to a stale half.
- 79' | Nashville take the lead through Shak Mohammed, who scores his second career MLS goal after an inch-perfect cross from substitute Alex Muyl. Both his goals have come against Atlanta.
- 90+3' | Mohammed plays an incredible cut-back cross to Muyl in all kinds of space at the top of the box, but a poor touch from Muyl gets the ball stuck under his feet, and Atlanta clear.
Standout performers
- Brian Schwake wasn't tested too much in terms of shot quality, but made one of his best saves of the year during a stretch in which Atlanta were really threatening. In retrospect, it saved Nashville points.
- Shak Mohammed was busy all night, and his ability to quickly change direction caused Atlanta a few problems down the right flank. He popped up with a massive goal in the second half, heading into the bottom corner for a second career goal against Atlanta.
- Andy Nájar, Bryan Acosta, and Alex Muyl came in and significantly raised the level for Nashville. BJ Callaghan often talks about how Nashville's substitutes are tasked with solving problems and being solutions, and those three in particular looked like the sharpest players on the pitch after they entered.
Lineup notes
After 54 days of rest and training, Nashville should have had essentially a fully healthy squad. That wasn't the case. Cristian Espinoza, Warren Madrigal, and Reed-Baker Whiting were all listed as questionable on the injury report, and none of them even made the matchday squad. Jeisson Palacios and Andy Nájar were fit enough to make the bench, while Eddi Tagseth returned to the squad after missing six matches injured.
Shak Mohammed was a surprise start on the right wing. The 22-year-old made just his second regular-season start, after scoring against Atlanta in the reverse fixture.
What it means
The victory marks four wins in a row for Nashville SC. They've lost just once in MLS play, with that defeat coming all the way back on April 4 against the Chicago Fire.
Up next
Nashville have a quick turnaround, welcoming CF Montréal to Geodis Park on Wednesday night.
Stats
Possession: NSH 48% – 52% ATL
Shots: NSH 8 – 12 ATL
Shots on goal: NSH 3 – 5 ATL
Penalty kicks: NSH 0 – 0 ATL
Goals: NSH 1 – 0 ATL
Expected goals: NSH 0.76 – 1.51 ATL
Total Passes: NSH 371 – 416 ATL
Fouls: NSH 10 – 13 ATL
Yellow cards: NSH 1 – 1 ATL
Red cards: NSH 0 – 0 ATL
Deserved win (per Futi): NSH 8% – 70% ATL
Announced attendance: 30,109
