Talking Points: The 'Yotes win in New England

Nashville SC were back in action Wednesday night in Foxborough, beating the New England Revolution 3-0, the first match all season the Revs have failed to win at home.

BJ Callaghan’s side were clinical in yet another match without Sam Surridge, Eddi Tagseth, and Patrick Yazbek. This time around, Nashville took care of business early on. What looked on paper to be Nashville’s weaker spots were actually their bright spots on Wednesday.

Next man up

Matthew Corcoran sat deeper in their 4-4-2 formation and played the role of conductor. Corcoran would drop in between center backs Jeisson Palacios and Maxwell Woledzi to receive the ball, giving him plenty of time on the ball to pick out passes forward.

Bryan Acosta was the more attack-minded half of the duo, and it showed. The Honduran midfielder had two shots on target and converted both. Both were clinical finishes. His first goal came in the first half from a brillant solo run by Cristian Espinoza, who beat his defender and played a drag-back ball to Acosta for a tidy one-time finish.

Warren Madrigal also continues to play well. His pressure on USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner late in the first half led to an uncharacteristic error, leading to Madrigal's interception and finish to make it three goals in two games for the younger attacker. This is exactly what Callaghan’s side needs heading into World Cup break: high confidence and production from the younger players.

Set piece magic

In the second half, Nashville earned a corner in the 74th minute. Espinoza took the corner, making an “X” shape with his arms above his head. Clearly executing a designed play, Espinoza sent in a low, driven ball to the top of the 18 for Acosta, setting up another one-time finish to give himself a brace on the night. This was a textbook set-piece. Straight from the training grounds, executed to perfection. Not only was the delivery immaculate, but the finish from Acosta was sublime, curling the ball through a crowd of players and keeping the shot low, a much more difficult ask than it may appear.

Cristian Espinoza was so dangerous on Wednesday. He's been Nashville’s best signing this season, and he was the most dangerous player on the field in Foxborough. Nashville channeled their attacks down the right-hand side for a large amount of the match, and rightfully so; New England’s defense couldn’t handle him.

Espinoza finished the night with two assists and several chances created. When impact signings are discussed in this league this season, that man should be the first person everyone talks about. Espinoza joined an already high-functioning attack, and the added dimension he brings takes them to another level.

Nashville's 3-0 win is a statement to the rest of the league. The 'Yotes return home this weekend against another quality opponent in LAFC.

On Sunday, there will be more attacking firepower on both sides of the field, with LAFC bringing high-profile stars like Dénis Bouanga and Son Heung-Min. If both sides go full strength (spoiler alert: they will), this could be a high-scoring thriller.