Hany Mukhtar Continues To Separate Nashville SC From The Rest Of The Eastern Conference

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Hany Mukhtar. Photo: Courtesy of Nashville SC

Hany Mukhtar continues to showcase why he is the best player in MLS, scoring a hat trick against the Chicago Fire on Saturday (May 6) to give Nashville SC their second straight win.

“It feels good. I had a couple of assists last game, and it’s good to be back on the scoring sheet,” said Mukhtar postgame. “I think for us it was very important to get back-to-back wins, and we controlled the game. I really liked that even with the ball we made progress. I think we controlled the game from the first to the last minute. Even though in the second half they had a couple periods with good ball position, I think we were, at any time in the game, in control.”

Even with a few poor displays, Nashville SC stayed on target by playing brilliant defense in the past three MLS matches, but it was Mukhtar who was creating the offense. He scored against LAFC, then assisted two goals and set up another against Atlanta United and now, a hat trick just 11 games into the season.

Saturday’s match was the first humid game of the MLS season and despite the elements, Mukhtar played a full 90 minutes, creating chances from the kickoff whistle all the way into stoppage time after the 90th minute. The team started off real fast with some great momentum, getting corners and catching Chicago’s backline off guard. This effort led to a penalty draw in the 45th minute, and Mukhtar scored with ease.

In just 11 games, nine in which he has started, Mukhtar has six goals and five assists—scoring or assisting a goal in each of Nashville SC’s last four games.

“He’s been absolutely fantastic for this team and this franchise there is no doubt about it,” said Head Coach Gary Smith postgame. “But I’d also add that he’s a fabulous person and he’s a very very hard working lad. This isn’t just a result of somebody turning up at the weekend and using their talent to the best degree, he works very hard in the week. He’s constantly trying to refine, whether it’s set pieces or individual work in the choices he’s making and I think you can see the benefits and results in that.”

Nashville had their dips in offensive pace and even started off the second half pretty lethargic. However, the backline led by Shaq Moore, Dan Lovitz, Jack Maher and Lukas MacNaughton, who filled in for a Walker Zimmerman, held Chicago to just five total shots and three shots on target. MacNaughton was a gameday decision and did not disappoint in his Nashville SC debut.

Along with Mukhtar, youngster Jacob Shaffelburg displayed  his incredible speed and drew the second penalty. Shaffelburg on the left side of the pitch creates a whole new element with Mukhtar in the mix of it. Early in the game, we saw how Chicago just couldn’t keep up with Nashville SC’s pace, proving that Shaffelburg’s speed on and off the ball really is a game changer for the club.

“The first period I thought that left hand side for us was a really productive area and I know I’ve said this a couple times, but when you’ve got guys who are so electric quick, [and] you’re not and you’re playing against them, there’s a fear factor. There’s a concern,” said Smith. “You’ve got to give yourself a bit more space, you’ve got to deny any opportunity to run in behind, because you’re never going to catch them. And, I thought we had some very very good moments down that left hand side, and maybe there were a couple more to be had.”

Nashville moved up to third place in the Eastern Conference standings with 18 points after Atlanta United fell to Inter Miami. The Boys in Gold have a midweek matchup against FC Dallas in the U.S. Open Cup this Wednesday, May 10 at GEODIS Park before hitting the road to face D.C. United on Saturday, May 13.

Steven Boero
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