Nashville Clinches Record Season

The New York Red Bulls lost their final chance to qualify for the postseason on a rainy Sunday in Nashville. The 3-2 defeat eliminated the team from the MLS Cup race and shifted the Eastern Conference standings. This result guaranteed a playoff spot for the Columbus Crew, which also advanced after Toronto FC lost to Atlanta United.

Nashville finished the match with its ninth consecutive game without a loss. The team recorded its 15th home win of the season, matching a club record for unbeaten home performance. Nashville also tied Inter Miami's 2024 record of 74 points with one game remaining. The club's 44 points at home set a new league record.

The Red Bulls took an early lead through Julian Hall. The 18-year-old scored in the 34th minute for his 13th goal of the season. His goal came after Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake saved a penalty kick by Cade Cowell in the 19th minute. New York extended the lead to 2-0 six minutes later. Rafael Mosquera, who had just entered the game, scored his first MLS goal to put the visitors ahead.

Nashville responded in the final minutes of the first half. Tim Parker scored an own goal in the 45th minute to make it 2-1. The match was tied in the 81st minute when Julian Bazan directed the ball into his own net. Sam Surridge headed the winning goal in the first minute of stoppage time to seal the victory.

Cristian Espinoza provided the assist for Surridge's 19th goal of the campaign. It was the 15th assist of Espinoza's career and his 97th in 247 appearances. For the Red Bulls, 17-year-old Adri Mehmeti recorded his ninth career assist, while Sekou Kone earned his first in his seventh match. Ethan Horvath made seven saves for New York, while Schwake made two saves for Nashville.

The Red Bulls will host Atlanta United in their regular season finale on Saturday. Nashville will travel to FC Cincinnati on the same day to conclude its season. Nashville previously beat New York 1-0 on the road on August 19.