Nashville’s 13 shots and three goals secure top-table win

Nashville SC defeated Chicago Fire 3-0 at Geodis Park, securing a convincing Major League Soccer victory in Regular Season - 26. Nashville led 1-0 at half-time and controlled the match through the second half before adding two late goals.

Surridge gives Nashville the lead

The opening goal arrived in the 33rd minute. S. Surridge finished a move assisted by R. Baker-Whiting, giving Nashville a narrow advantage. Hany Mukhtar was booked two minutes later, but the hosts preserved their lead into the interval.

Nashville held more of the ball and created the greater attacking threat. The home side had 56% possession, completed 497 passes with 89% accuracy, and recorded 13 total shots compared with Chicago’s eight. Nashville also led 5-2 on corner kicks. Chicago’s 44% possession and 399 passes did not translate into sustained pressure, although its nine shots inside the box showed that it did find some opportunities.

Late goals settle the result

Chicago made several changes as it looked to alter the match, including three substitutions around the 68th and 69th minutes. Nashville then doubled its advantage in the 78th minute when C. Espinoza scored from an assist by A. Najar. Espinoza supplied the final pass three minutes later, setting up H. Mukhtar for Nashville’s third goal in the 87th minute.

The shot quality also favored the winners. Nashville posted an expected-goals figure of 2.07 against Chicago’s 0.96, while the visitors managed just one shot on target. Chicago goalkeeper made three saves, compared with none for Nashville’s goalkeeper, helping explain how the scoreline remained close until the final 12 minutes despite Nashville’s overall control.

Espinoza leads the performance ratings

Cristian Espinoza was the standout performer with an 8.6 rating. He played 91 minutes, scored once, provided one assist, and delivered four key passes. Baker-Whiting also made a major contribution with an assist and two key passes, while Mukhtar combined his goal with one shot on target.

Discipline remained limited, with one yellow card for each team. Chicago’s J. Elliott was booked in the 57th minute. Nashville used substitutions including S. Mohammed for E. Saad in the 69th minute, while Chicago later introduced A. Mekvabishvili, M. Pineda and J. Gomez.

Nashville strengthens its position

Nashville entered the round first in the Eastern Conference with 54 points from 25 matches. The win takes its total to 57 points from 26 games and extends its latest sequence with another victory. Chicago, listed fifth with 39 points from 24 matches before kickoff, suffered a loss and remains on that points total after the match.