Nashville ends Red Bulls' playoff run
A stoppage-time header by Sam Surridge sealed a 3-2 win that also secured a postseason spot for the Columbus Crew.
By Fatima Saleh ·
New York Red Bulls fans left Nashville on a rainy Sunday evening with their season over. A 3-2 defeat by the Nashville SC erased the Red Bulls' final chance to make the MLS postseason. The result also clinched an Eastern Conference berth for the Columbus Crew, which lost 3-1 to Atlanta United on the same day.
Nashville overcame a two-goal deficit to secure the victory. The home team had already locked up the Supporters' Shield and extended its unbeaten run to nine games. This win marked the second time in club history that Nashville finished the season unbeaten at home, a mark previously set during its inaugural 2020 campaign.
The Red Bulls built their advantage early in the second half. Julian Hall gave New York a 1-0 lead in the 34th minute. His goal was assisted by Adri Mehmeti and Sekou Kone. Six minutes later, Rafael Mosquera doubled the lead to 2-0. He scored his first MLS goal just one minute after entering the match, set up by Cade Cowell and Devin Padelford.
Nashville responded with two own goals and a late header. Tim Parker put the ball in his own net in the 45th minute to cut the deficit to 2-1 at halftime. Julian Bazan followed with another own goal in the 81st minute to make it 2-2. Sam Surridge headed the winning goal in the first minute of stoppage time. Cristian Espinoza provided the assist, his 15th of the season.
The final score allowed Nashville to tie the MLS record for points in a single season. The club reached 74 points, matching the total set by Inter Miami in 2024, with one match left to play. Nashville also set a league record for points earned at home, finishing with 44. The team's home record stands at 15 wins and 2 draws.
New York goalkeeper Ethan Horvath made seven saves but could not prevent the loss. Nashville rookie goalkeeper Brian Schwake recorded two saves, including a penalty kick stop by Cade Cowell in the 19th minute. The Red Bulls will host Atlanta United Saturday to close their regular season. Nashville plays at FC Cincinnati the same day.
Source: Newsday
