Recap: Nashville SC stun Colorado Rapids with early onslaught

Nashville SC finished out their stretch of eight games in 28 days with a 3-1 win on the road against the Colorado Rapids, scoring all three goals in a nine-minute stretch in the first half.

The XI

Gary Smith stuck with Elliot Panicco instead of Joe Willis.

On the pitch

It was pretty cut and dry in Denver. CJ Sapong opened the scoring after eight minutes. Hany Mukhtar bagged a brace in the 15th and 17th minute to close the game out, showing just why the duo is one of the most dangerous in MLS.

Panicco was denied a clean sheet in his MLS debut by a well-hit free kick from Diego Rubio, but the goal proved to be academic, as Nashville cruised to victory in their last time out before the international break.

The big picture

Mukhtar and Sapong have refound their 2021 form. Mukhtar has six goals and two assists in his last six matches, while Sapong has four goals and two assists in his last seven. The pair were as dangerous as ever, as Nashville became the first side to win on the road in Denver since April 2021, snapping the Rapids’ home unbeaten streak at 23.

The Coyotes are up to fifth in the Western Conference table, and with the international break coming at a perfect time to get healthy, things are looking up for Music City.

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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