97th: Espinoza sets up winner as Nashville ties MLS points record
Sam Surridge's stoppage-time header gave Nashville a 3-2 win over New York, securing a historic home record and eliminating the Red Bulls.
By Julian Schulz ·
Cristian Espinoza recorded his 97th career assist in 247 appearances during the first minute of stoppage time on a rainy Sunday. The play set up Sam Surridge for a header that gave Nashville a 3-2 victory over New York and eliminated the Red Bulls from the postseason.
Nashville finished the match with 74 points, tying the Major League Soccer record set by Inter Miami in 2024 with one game remaining. The team also set a league record for points earned at home, accumulating 44. This marked the second time in club history that Nashville finished an entire season unbeaten at home, improving its overall home record to 15 wins and 2 draws.
The visitors held a two-goal lead for most of the second half. Julian Hall, a teenager, opened the scoring in the 34th minute. His 13th goal of the season was assisted by Adri Mehmeti and Sekou Kone. Rafael Mosquera extended the lead to 2-0 six minutes later, scoring his first MLS goal in his first start and 13th career appearance. Mosquera had entered the game just one minute prior to the goal.
Nashville equalized through two own goals. Tim Parker deflected the ball into his own net in the 45th minute to make it 2-1. Julian Bazan replicated the feat in the 81st minute, tying the score at 2-2. Surridge then used his head to put Nashville ahead in the 90th plus one minute. Surridge finished the match with his 19th goal of the campaign.
Goalkeepers played key roles in the defensive effort. Brian Schwake, a rookie for Nashville, saved a penalty kick from Cade Cowell in the 19th minute. He recorded two saves in total. For New York, Ethan Horvath made seven saves. The loss dropped the Red Bulls to an 11-16-6 record.
The result clinched an Eastern Conference postseason berth for the Columbus Crew, who also lost their match on the day. Nashville, now 22-3-8, extended its unbeaten streak to nine games. The team will travel to FC Cincinnati on Saturday to conclude the regular season. New York will host Atlanta United on the same day.
Nashville had previously beaten New York 1-0 on the road on August 19. The home side has not lost at home since Atlanta United won 1-0 on the final day of the previous season.
Source: Greenwich Time
