Aníbal Godoy rocket gives Nashville SC second-ever MLS win

Nashville SC’s return to Nissan Stadium was a triumphant one. 183 days after their MLS debut in front of 59,069 fans in Nashville, the Boys in Gold earned their first home win in a much different atmosphere, with empty stands and resounding echoes a stark contrast in atmosphere to the raucous fans and blazing guitar solos that provided the soundtrack to their inaugural match. A moment of class from Aníbal Godoy was the difference for Nashville, securing a 1-0 win over fellow expansion side Inter Miami CF.

Head coach Gary Smith made a number of changes to his starting lineup, resting Dax McCarty and Hany Mukhtar, and giving a team debut to Alex Muyl and a league debut to Brian Anunga.

Nashville controlled more of the ball to start the match than usual, getting into the final third well but not creating too much of note. Badji ran the channels diligently as usual, and nearly brought down a couple of balls over the top, but found himself isolated up top.

It appeared as though the home side had found a breakthrough, as Alex Muyl headed come a cross for what looked like his debut goal in gold. However, upon VAR review, the referee deemed Muyl to have fouled a defender and the goal was overturned.

Nashville continued to look for an opening in the second half, and finally found it through Aníbal Godoy in the 52nd minute. Wearing the captain’s armband, the midfielder collected a rebound at the top of the box and shifted the ball on his non-preferred right foot, curling an effort into the top corner.

Nashville nearly added another 20 minutes later. Second half substitute Hany Mukhtar collected the ball on the top of the box and took a positive touch, drawing a foul and earning a penalty. Mukhtar stepped up to take the spot kick, but smashed his effort off the crossbar.

Without a two goal cushion, Miami peppered Nashville’s goal, racking up 16 total shots over the course of the night. Walker Zimmerman was a massive presence at the back as always, with rookie Alistair Johnston putting in a shift at right back to preserve the clean sheet.

The victory moves Nashville into 11th place in the Eastern conference, with seven points from seven matches. They’re back in action on Wednesday night, taking on Orlando City at Nissan Stadium.


Stats

Shots: Nashville 5 – 16 Miami
Shots on goal: Nashville 2 – 5 Miami
xG: Nashville 1.16 – 0.74 Miami
Goals: Nashville 1 – 0 Miami
Possession: Nashville 47% – 53% Miami
Yellow cards: Nashville 3 – 3 Miami
Red cards: Nashville 0 – 0 Miami

Author: Ben Wrightis the Director of Soccer Content and a Senior MLS Contributor for Broadway Sports covering Nashville SC and the US National Team. Previously Ben was the editor and a founder of Speedway Soccer, where he has covered Nashville SC and their time in USL before journeying to Major League Soccer since 2018. Raised in Louisville, KY Ben grew up playing before a knee injury ended his competitive career. When he is not talking soccer he is probably producing music, drinking coffee or hanging out with his wife and kids. Mastodon

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