Recap: Nashville again blow a lead against New York City FC

NEW YORK, NY - For the first time in 2025, Nashville SC have lost three consecutive matches. For the second time in 2025, Nashville SC blew a lead to New York City FC, going ahead early in the first half but failing to hold on for a disappointing 2-1 loss at Yankee Stadium.

The XI

With Dan Lovitz still injured and Wyatt Meyer picking up what looks to be a fairly lengthy injury against St. Louis, head coach BJ Callaghan was forced into a change at left back, playing right-footed center back Josh Bauer out of position on the right.

Alex Muyl was suspended for the match due to yellow card accumulation, so Jacob Shaffelburg slotted into his usual spot on the left, with Huntsville City FC's Alan Carleton receiving his third short-term call-up of the season to round out the numbers on the bench.

On the pitch

Nashville got off to a flying start. Sam Surridge nearly got on the scoresheet inside 20 seconds, with several other chances narrowly missing. Jacob Shaffelburg, making his first start since June 12, eventually found the opener, curling in a perfectly-placed finish after Hany Mukhtar threaded the needle between the defense.

After the goal, New York began to assert more control of the game, dictating the tempo and maintaining possession. Late in the half, Andrés Perea picked up the ball just inside the box, beating Jack Maher and Eddi Tagseth before equalizing with a smart finish to the far post.

Immediately after the equalizer, lightning struck. Literally. A 92-minute weather delay preceded a brief five minutes of play before halftime, fully disrupting the flow of the match. Even after the delay, though, Nashville had a pair of gilt-edged chances to regain the lead before the break.

The second half was disjointed, as expected after the lengthy break. Nashville found themselves even more on the back foot, with the Pigeons turning possession into several half-chances. Eventually, they found the breakthrough courtesy of top scorer Alonso Martínez. The Costa Rica international got goal side of Josh Bauer to tap in a simple finish from point-blank range.

Nashville had no answers after going down. In all, they managed just three shots in the second half, not even able to force Matt Freese into a save. After such a flying start, the ending was in stark contrast.

Goals

• 10' | NSH | Jacob Shaffelburg
• 40' | NYC | Andrés Perea
• 77' | NYC | Alonso Martínez

The big picture

The result is Nashville's third consecutive loss, the first time they've achieved that feat in 2025. While playing on the road is famously difficult in MLS, they've had moments to win matches and have been let down.

Three weeks ago the conversation was about if Nashville could win the Supporters' Shield. That conversation has shifted to asking if Nashville can hold on for a Top 4 finish and a home playoff spot. With the NYCFC loss, they're tied on points with fourth-placed Orlando City, and just two ahead of Inter Miami and Columbus Crew, both of whom have matches in hand.

Nashville are still very much a contender, and their hopes for the Shield aren't completely over. But the dip in form at this stage in the season is concerning. Saturday's match against Orlando City could be season-defining.

Up next

Nashville are back at Geodis Park, with a six-pointer against Orlando City on the books. The Lions enter the match on a four-match winning streak, just three points behind Nashville in the Eastern Conference table.

Stats

Possession: NYC 54% – 46% NSH
Total Passes: NYC 339 – 290 NSH
Shots: NYC 12 – 11 NSH
Shots on goal: NYC 4 – 3 NSH
Penalty kicks: NYC 0 – 0 NSH
Goals: NYC 2 – 1 NSH
Expected goals:
Fouls: NYC 10 – 12 NSH
Yellow cards: NYC 3 – 2 NSH
Red cards: NYC 0 – 0 NSH