In a match that perfectly encapsulated the diverging fortunes of both teams, New York City FC dominated Nashville SC 3-1 at Red Bull Arena on Sunday. NYCFC's early attacking brilliance put the game out of reach for a Nashville team already eliminated from playoff contention, while Nashville's familiar defensive lapses and lack of finishing condemned them to a third consecutive defeat.
The game opened with a dream start for New York City. Santiago Rodríguez scored within 18 seconds, setting the tone for the hosts in a nearly empty Red Bull Arena. It was a goal that seemed to catch Nashville completely off guard, as their defenders failed to clear the danger, allowing Rodríguez to pounce on the opportunity and fire home. Nashville, having already been knocked out of playoff contention the day before, looked deflated from the start, and their sluggishness was evident.
NYCFC, currently battling for playoff positioning, showed their intent by continuing to press forward. Rodríguez found the net again in the 18th minute, unmarked and unchallenged as he slotted home a cross from Hannes Wolf. At this point, the game felt like a training exercise for NYCFC, who completely exploited Nashville's disjointed defense.
Alonso Martínez added a third for NYCFC just three minutes later, bundling the ball over the line from a corner. Nashville's defense appeared in disarray, unable to handle NYCFC’s set pieces or direct attacks. Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis could do little but pick the ball out of his net, as the visitors found themselves 3-0 down with nearly 70 minutes left to play.
Nashville’s season, which had begun with promise, had unraveled spectacularly in the final weeks. Their playoff hopes had already been dashed by D.C. United just days before, when they threw away a 3-1 lead at home to lose 4-3. That result seemed to sap whatever fight Nashville had left, and Sunday’s match felt like the continuation of their recent downward spiral.
However, despite the dismal start, Nashville did show some life in the second half. Head coach B.J. Callaghan praised his team’s response after the initial 30-minute collapse, and in fairness, Nashville did dominate much of the match from that point onward. They controlled possession, outshooting NYCFC 22-11 and registering a higher passing accuracy. Hany Mukhtar, their talismanic forward, pulled one back for the visitors with a long-range strike in the 58th minute. Mukhtar, who has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing campaign, now sits at eight goals and 10 assists in MLS play.
Mukhtar’s performance deserves praise, especially as he continues his quest for history. He is now just two goals shy of becoming the first player in MLS history to record double-digit goals and assists in four consecutive seasons. Despite Nashville’s struggles, Mukhtar has heated up in the final month of the season, and his recent run of form (three goals and three assists in his last six games) suggests that he’s still capable of producing magical moments even when his team is floundering.
But Nashville’s defensive woes are undeniable, and they have been the key factor in their late-season collapse. Walker Zimmerman, usually a rock at the back, had an uncharacteristically poor game. He and fellow defender Aníbal Godoy were directly involved in the defensive miscues that led to Rodríguez’s early goal, and they struggled to contain NYCFC’s pacey attack. For a team that prided itself on defensive solidity in previous seasons, Nashville’s backline has become alarmingly porous.
New York City FC, on the other hand, will take great confidence from this performance. With three wins on the trot, they are heading into the final stages of the season with momentum on their side. Rodríguez’s brace highlighted his growing influence in NYCFC’s attack, and head coach Nick Cushing will be pleased with the way his team has responded to recent challenges. Cushing made several changes to his starting lineup for this game, including resting James Sands, yet NYCFC didn’t miss a beat. Players like Hannes Wolf and Alonso Martínez stepped up when called upon, showcasing the depth and flexibility that will be vital in the playoffs.
For NYCFC, this match was about more than just the three points—it was about continuing to build chemistry and rhythm as they gear up for postseason action. They pressed high, attacked with purpose, and showed a level of cohesion that has sometimes been missing earlier in the season. Even when Nashville began to push back in the second half, NYCFC’s defense, anchored by goalkeeper Matt Freese, stood firm. Freese made several crucial saves, including a double stop in the 79th minute to deny both Zimmerman and Jack Maher from a corner.
NYCFC’s ability to absorb pressure and hit on the counter has made them dangerous in transition, and they will be a team to watch in the playoffs. While some may have written them off earlier in the year due to inconsistency, their recent form suggests they have the tools to cause an upset or two in the postseason.
For Nashville SC, however, the focus now shifts to next season. After five straight years of making the playoffs, missing out in 2024 feels like a step backward. Head coach B.J. Callaghan, who took over late in the season, will need to address the team’s defensive frailties and figure out how to get the most out of his talented attackers, like Mukhtar and Sam Surridge, moving forward. Callaghan made it clear that, despite the team’s elimination from playoff contention, he would not take his foot off the gas. "We’re not going to train for two days in preparation for a game and just let something completely change what we’re about," Callaghan said before the match, reinforcing the idea that Nashville’s approach would remain professional even in defeat.
As for NYCFC, their season continues with a crucial game against CF Montréal on October 19. With playoff positions still at stake, they will be looking to extend their winning streak and carry their current momentum into the postseason.
Nashville, meanwhile, will conclude their season against the Chicago Fire on the same day. Though their season may be over, fans will be watching closely to see if Mukhtar can etch his name into the MLS history books and end the year on a personal high.
What’s Next: NYCFC takes on CF Montréal in a high-stakes playoff battle, while Nashville SC looks to salvage some pride in their final game of the season against Chicago Fire.
