Talking Points: A magical night from Mukhtar

NASHVILLE, TN – Nashville SC returned home on Saturday to face Western Conference giants LAFC. Nashville exited this match as they entered, unbeaten at home, with more history written in the books.

Nashville were down yet another starter on Saturday, with Andy Nájar picking up a quad injury in Wednesday night’s win against the New England Revolution.

Once again, depth shone through in this matchup. The midfield three of Matthew Corcoran, Bryan Acosta, and Ahmed Qasem all played well, with Patrick Yazbek and Eddi Tagseth still out injured. Warren Madrigal also put in another strong shift in place of Sam Surridge.

Sunday night, however, was about one man: Hany Mukhtar.

Mukhtar has been in Nashville since 2020. He’s the first Designated Player ever signed by the club. He's undoubtedly Nashville’s best-ever signing, and one of the best in league history. Mukhtar had been on the hunt for goal 100 with the club, and on Sunday night, he went one step further.

A hat-trick on Sunday Night Soccer earned Mukhtar goals number 99, 100, and 101 in Nashville gold. Hany Mukhtar opened the scoring in the 13th with a great interchange with Madrigal. Goal 99? Check. Then, in the 21st minute, Mukhtar stood over a free-kick. In front of the supporters section. Goal 100. 

It was almost poetic. Hany Mukhtar hitting 100 in front of The Backline, many of whom have been fans since day one.

In the second half, Mukhtar stood over another free kick. He couldn't possibly put another in, could he? Only seven other players in league history had scored two free kicks in the same game, and none since 2024. That didn't stop him. Goal 101.

Nashville would hold on to win 3-2, pushing up into first in both the Eastern Conference and Supporters' Shield standings as well. Sunday night had a storybook ending; Nashville winning their 101st match of the MLS era, and Hany Mukhtar bagging his 101st goal.

Sam Surridge might be Nashville’s leading scorer, but Hany Mukhtar is STILL the king of Nashville, and he showed it last night. He’s the most important player in the history of Nashville sports. No other man has done what he has in the span of time that he has in Nashville.

Well over 150 goals and assists for the club. League MVP and Golden Boot winner in 2022. The only player in Tennessee sports history to have won an MVP award outright. Leading his club and his city to a trophy last year, the first championship trophy won in Tennessee professional sports history. Hany Mukhtar is both a Nashville and an MLS great.

Nashville SC play their final match before the World Cup break on Saturday against NYCFC. A win will keep them atop the Supporters' Shield standings heading into the World Cup.