NASHVILLE, TN – Nashville SC extend their winning streak to five after beating CF Montréal with a lone goal from Sam Surridge. It was more of the same for the Boys in Gold, who struggled to create many chances, but still found a way to earn all three points. A lot has been said about MLS feeling like a new season after the World Cup break, and this match sure felt like a pre-season friendly.
The vibe check (TL;DR)
- What happened: It was a dull first half, followed by an improved, but not great second. Nashville had most of the ball, but couldn't convert possession into chances. On the other hand, the Impact were happy to sit back and defend until they conceded. After the lone goal, Montréal had multiple dangerous looks, but they missed the finishing touch.
- What we learned: It is taking Nashville a long time to return to their pre-World Cup level. While Nashville have the needed depth to compete, there's a clear difference in quality from A-list players.
- Big picture: Nashville continue their lead at the top of the Supporters' Shield standings. They are five points clear of Inter Miami, who beat the Chicago Fire 3-2.
Key moments
- 9' | A nicely played ball by Nashville on the right side deflects off the defender into Alex Muyl's feet. The midfielder fluffs his line and misses the goal from close range.
- 24' | Nashville's right side is active again, and the ball falls to Shak Mohammed in the box, but he's unable to hit the target.
- 67' | Mohammed forces Noah Strait to play a dangerous ball back towards his own net. The ball is seemingly heading for a corner before Surridge appears and does incredibly well to reach it. He is fouled by Strait in the box for a Nashville penalty.
- 68' | Surridge converts the penalty right in the middle of the goal. Nashville up 1-0.
- 74' | Fingertip save from Brian Schwake on a Prince Owusu header.
- 85' | The ball falls to Owusu in the box, but the striker misses the goal from close range.
Standout performers
- Sam Surridge stepped up when Nashville needed someone to. His effort to chase a loose ball that many strikers would let go was the difference. Then he stepped up and scored the game's only goal.
- Jeisson Palacios was missed during the Atlanta match, and he made his presence felt against Montréal. He was good on both sides of the ball and helped Nashville in build-up and recovery when needed.
- Brian Schwake had one big save, but it was the difference-maker in a tight match. The All-Star continues to be amongst the elite MLS goalkeepers.
Lineup notes
The injury list has improved since last weekend, but Reed Baker-Whiting, Cristian Espinoza and Warren Madrigal continue to be out.
Jesisson Palacios made his return to the starting lineup, replacing Jack Maher. The Colombian is back to full fitness after being listed as questionable for the Atlanta match. Alex Muyl replaced Ahmed Qasem after a successful cameo in which he assisted on the game's only goal.
Josh Bauer and Shak Mohammed kept their starting spot. It was a bit of a surprise for the latter, as Andy Nájar was seemingly available from the start.
What it means
Nashville are now undefeated in 10 league matches. While the performances haven't always been there, not many complaints can be had about the results. As opposition quality rises, Nashville will need to find a way to improve their game.
Up next
Nashville are on the road this weekend, heading south for a rivalry match against Orlando City.
Stats
Possession: NSH X% – X% MTL
Shots: NSH 10 – 5 MTL
Shots on goal: NSH 1 – 2 MTL
Penalty kicks: NSH 1 – 0 MTL
Goals: NSH 1 – 0 MTL
Expected goals: NSH 1.6 – 0.5 MTL
Total Passes: NSH 639 – 382 MTL
Fouls: NSH 9 – 12 MTL
Yellow cards: NSH 1 – 1 MTL
Red cards: NSH 0 – 0 MTL
Deserved win (per Futi): NSH 71% – 8% MTL
Announced attendance: 24,490
