After last weekend’s dismal showing in Houston, Nashville SC bounced back with a statement 2-1 win over CF Montréal on Wednesday night at GEODIS Park.
The XI
Gary Smith made four changes to the side that lost at the weekend, bringing back newly re-signed DPs Hany Mukhtar and Walker Zimmerman to the starting lineup.
Brian Anunga earned another start after his strong showing in the US Open Cup, giving Sean Davis his first rest of the season.
On the pitch
The Coyotes started energetically, pressing high against Montréal’s backline and controlling a large swath of possession. They were rewarded in the 28th minute, when Alex Muyl brought down a goal kick from Joe Willis before beating two defenders and curling a left footed effort to the far post.
Just after halftime, Mukhtar doubled the lead, collecting a pass from CJ Sapong for a simple finish from close range. It was the 11th time the pair has combined for a goal in their two seasons together.
The visitors pulled a goal back through a rare mistake from Willis. The goalkeeper attempted to punch a cross clear, but his effort bounced off Kei Kamara into the net. It wasn’t enough to earn a result, and Nashville held on for a much-needed win.
Big picture
Nashville needed to move on quickly from arguably their worst-ever performance last weekend. They did so convincingly, knocking off the then-Eastern Conference leaders. They’ve now gone 23 matches unbeaten at home, with the last loss in Nashville coming in November 2020. Up to sixth in the Western Conference, the ‘Yotes have a rivalry match against Atlanta United set for Saturday evening at GEODIS Park.
