NASHVILLE, TN – Nashville SC cruised to a win over Atlético San Luis in Leagues Cup on Sunday night. Sam Surridge and Cristian Espinoza got on the scoresheet in a lopsided 3-1 win, with the Boys In Gold looking more like themselves at Geodis Park.
The vibe check (TL;DR)
- What happened: Nashville put out a much stronger lineup than the team that lost 1-0 to Club Léon on Wednesday, and they looked much more like the team that were rolling before the World Cup break.
- What we learned: Having Espinoza healthy and in the lineup made such a massive difference for Nashville. The combination down the right side with Andy Nájar was excellent, and Elias Saad also impressed in his second start in gold.
- Big picture: The win leaves Nashville on three points from their first two Leagues Cup matches, and they have a significant uphill battle to advance from Phase One. Only the top four MLS sides will advance, and six other clubs are already on six points. Nashville will ned a win on Wednesday against Monterrey, as well as significant help from other results. In terms of getting players back into form for the MLS stretch run, this was as much as anyone could have asked.
Key moments
- 18' | San Luis take an early lead after a risky pass from Sam Surridge is turned over centrally. Rafael Llorente receives the ball on the edge of the box, takes a deft touch to roll past Jeisson Palacios, and beats Brian Schwake for a simple finish.
- 36' | Nashville pull a goal back through Cristian Espinoza, receiving a splitting through-ball from Elias Saad and finishing off the far post.
- 38' | Just two minutes later, Surridge pulls the 'Yotes ahead, reacting quickly to a deflected clearance and heading into the top corner.
- 45+7' | Just before halftime, Espinoza makes it three for Nashville, curling in a pinpoint free kick from the edge of the box into the top corner. It should be noted that the foul leading to the set piece was questionable, but Nashville will take it.
- 55' | Silky football from the 'Yotes, ending with a quick combination between halftime substitute Hany Mukhtar and Saad, who takes a touch and looks to be bundled over in the box before his shot is blocked.
- 69' | Nearly a gorgeous goal from Nashville, with Matt Corcoran picking out a late run from Mukhtar, whose volleyed cross is cleared just before reaching a wide-open Jeisson Palacios at the back post.
- 88' | Reed Baker-Whiting caps off the night with his first goal in a Nashville shirt, pouncing on a blocked shot from Shak Mohammed and tucking in from close range.
Standout performers
- Cristian Espinoza hardly put a foot wrong in his first appearance since the World Cup break. Wearing the captain's armband on the night, he ran the show in the first half. It's evident how much better Sam Surridge and the rest of the attack is with him in the lineup. He's up to 16 goal contributions, the most on the team.
Cristian Espinoza casually has 16 goal contributions in 22 matches in all competitions for Nashville this season, leading the team. Home run signing. 📸 @cmoorestoryteller.bsky.social
— Ben Wright (@benwright.bsky.social) August 9, 2026 at 8:09 PM
[image or embed]
- Eddi Tagseth brought his typical energy to midfield and caused all kinds of trouble for San Luis with his relentless running. His quality on the ball has improved this season.
- Elias Saad is fitting right in with his new team. He receives the ball in some incredibly dangerous spots, and he looks more confident with the ball at his feet in every game. He looks set to be a major factor for this team down the stretch.
Lineup notes
After fully rotating his squad midweek against Club León, head coach BJ Callaghan rolled out a full-strength starting lineup. Cristian Espinoza returned from injury and got the captain's armband, with Sam Surridge and Elias Saad rounding out the front three.
Hany Mukhtar returned after missing the León game with a knock picked up against DC, and welcoming a baby son with his wife Ashley earlier in the day. Famara Camara also made his debut as a second-half substitute.
What it means
It's probably too much to ask for Nashville to advance to the knockout rounds, needing a win against Monterrey on Wednesday and for the eight MLS sides ahead of them on points to all stagnate in their final matches. After several flat performances coming out of the break, though, a dominant win will go a long way towards improving confidence.
Up next
The 'Yotes round out their Phase One slate of games on Wednesday night, taking on CF Monterrey in their second-ever meeting at Geodis Park.
Stats
Possession: NSH 52% – 48% ASL
Shots: NSH 18 – 9 ASL
Shots on goal: NSH 6 – 3 ASL
Penalty kicks: NSH 0 – 0 ASL
Goals: NSH 4 – 1 ASL
Expected goals: NSH 2.04 – 0.80 ASL
Total Passes: NSH 372 – 351 ASL
Fouls: NSH 20 – 16 ASL
Yellow cards: NSH 2 – 2 ASL
Red cards: NSH 0 – 0 ASL
Announced attendance:
