Nashville erases two-goal deficit to end Red Bulls playoff run
Two own goals and a stoppage-time header by Sam Surridge gave Nashville a 3-2 win, securing Columbus a postseason berth.
By David Almasi ·
New York Red Bulls fans watched their postseason hopes evaporate on a rainy Sunday in Nashville, Tennessee. The visitors held a two-goal lead for much of the match but could not survive two defensive errors and a late strike. Nashville defeated the Red Bulls 3-2 to close out the regular season.
The Red Bulls took the initial lead in the 34th minute. Julian Hall, 18, scored his 13th goal of the season. The 17-year-old rookie Adri Mehmeti and 19-year-old Sekou Kone provided the assists. Before that goal, Nashville rookie goalkeeper Brian Schwake saved a penalty kick by 19-year-old Cade Cowell in the 19th minute.
New York doubled its advantage six minutes later. Cowell and defender Devin Padelford set up Rafael Mosquera for his first MLS goal. Mosquera had entered the game just one minute prior. The score stood 2-0 at the halfway mark, but the lead did not last.
Nashville pulled one goal back before halftime. New York defender Tim Parker headed the ball into his own net in the 45th minute. The hosts equalized in the 81st minute on another own goal by defender Julian Bazan. The game remained tied until the final moments of regulation.
Sam Surridge headed the winning goal in the first minute of stoppage time. Cristian Espinoza provided the assist, marking his 15th of the career. It was Surridge's 19th goal of the campaign. The victory extended Nashville's unbeaten streak to nine matches. The club also finished with a 15-0-2 record at home, a second such achievement in franchise history.
Nashville tied the Major League Soccer record for points in a season with 74. That total matches the mark set by Inter Miami in 2024. The team had already secured the Supporters' Shield earlier in the season. The 44 points earned at home set a new league record.
The result had immediate consequences for the Eastern Conference standings. With the Red Bulls' loss and Toronto FC's 3-1 defeat by Atlanta United, the Columbus Crew clinched a spot in the postseason. New York finishes the regular season by hosting Atlanta United on Saturday. Nashville travels to FC Cincinnati on the same day to conclude its campaign.
