Nashville SC Clinches The MLS Playoffs For Second Year Straight

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In just its second season, Nashville Soccer Club has clinched a playoff berth in the 2021 MLS Playoffs after Nashville’s huge 6-3 comeback against FC Cincinnati on Wednesday, Oct. 27 and Columbus Crew defeating Orlando City.

Nashville SC becomes just the fourth team in the modern MLS expansion era to reach the post-season in back-to-back seasons of existence. 

“This group of players and coaches continue to rise to the occasion and meet each challenge in front of them, and we are so proud of them. To give this opportunity to the fans of this club is very special and want to congratulate everyone who supports this club on and off the field.” says Nashville SC General Manager Mike Jacobs.

With the victory, NSC improves its record to 12W-4L-16D and 52 points. Nashville SC have been impeccable in Music City, owning the longest active unbeaten home streak in MLS with 17 consecutive home match wins, dating back to last season with a victory in the 2020 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs over Inter Miami CF.

In Wednesday night’s game, NSC was down 3-1 at one point and went into halftime down 3-2 after a Randall Leal goal. Late in the second half, the Boys in Gold blew the doors wide open with a Charles Sapong equalizing goal in the 71st minute. Leal would score again in the 76th minute to give Nashville the lead and eventual win. Ake Arnaud Loba scored the fifth goal of the night, his first with Nashville, and Sapong added insult to injury with his second goal of the night in the 92nd minute of stoppage time, handing NSC a 6-3 win.

MVP Candidate Hany Mukhtar entered Wednesday’s match ranking third in MLS in goals & assists with 23, tied for seventh in MLS in goals with 13, fourth in shots with 84, and third in shots on target with 39. He also leads Nashville SC in these respective categories as well as assists. Mukhtar added to his assist total this season with three on the evening.

Nashville SC will play its final two matches of the regular season against Orlando on Sunday, Oct. 31 in Florida and then against the New York Red Bulls on Nov. 7 at Nissan Stadium.

Steven Boero
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