Nashville SC bounce back with win over CF Montréal

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.

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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