Nashville's late surge defeats New York, ending Red Bulls' playoff chase
Two own goals and a stoppage-time header allowed Nashville to overturn a two-goal deficit, securing a home record while Columbus earned a postseason berth.
By Carolina Wood ·
Sam Surridge headed in a goal during the first minute of stoppage time on a rainy Sunday to give Nashville a 3-2 victory over New York at home. The result ended the Red Bulls' hopes for a postseason berth and extended Nashville's unbeaten run to nine matches.
New York had controlled the early stages of the game. Julian Hall, an 18-year-old, scored in the 34th minute to put the visitors ahead 1-0. Hall had previously faced a penalty kick from 19-year-old Cade Cowell in the 19th minute, which Nashville rookie goalkeeper Brian Schwake saved. Hall's goal marked his 13th of the season. Adri Mehmeti, a 17-year-old rookie, and 19-year-old Sekou Kone provided the assists on the play.
The Red Bulls extended their lead six minutes later. Rafael Mosquera, who had entered the game as a substitute one minute prior, scored his first MLS goal in his first start to make the score 2-0. Cowell and Devin Padelford set up the goal. Mosquera has appeared in 13 career matches.
Nashville erased the deficit through two own goals before the final stretch. New York defender Tim Parker headed the ball into his own net in the 45th minute, cutting the deficit to 2-1 at halftime. Julian Bazan, another New York defender, created an equalizer with an own goal in the 81st minute. The match ended level until Surridge's late strike.
Cristian Espinoza provided the assist for the winning goal. The play marked Espinoza's 15th assist of the career high and his 97th assist in 247 appearances. It was Surridge's 19th goal of the campaign. Schwake made two saves for Nashville, while New York goalkeeper Ethan Horvath stopped seven shots.
Nashville finished the regular season unbeaten at home for the second time in club history. The team went 15-0-2 on its home field, setting a league record with 44 home points. Nashville tied the Major League Soccer record for most points in a season with 74, matching the total set by Inter Miami in 2024 with one game remaining. The club had already secured the Supporters' Shield.
The loss for the Red Bulls, whose record fell to 11-16-6, combined with Toronto FC's 3-1 loss to Atlanta United, secured an Eastern Conference postseason spot for the Columbus Crew. Nashville beat New York 1-0 on August 19 in their previous meeting. Nashville has not lost at home since a 1-0 defeat to Atlanta United on the final day of last season.
The Red Bulls will host Atlanta United on Saturday in their regular season finale. Nashville will travel to FC Cincinnati for its final match of the season, also on Saturday.
