Recap: Nashville SC draw in Portland

Teal Bunbury scored in a third consecutive match to give Nashville SC a point on the road in Portland. The win keeps the ‘Yotes in playoff position, one point ahead of seventh-placed Seattle Sounders.

The XI

Gary Smith stuck with the back four, giving Dax McCarty a rest and starting Teal Bunbury ahead of CJ Sapong.

On the pitch

Teal Bunbury put the visitors ahead. The forward scored a third goal in as many games, calmly side-footing home after Portland struggled to clear a loose ball in the box.

Just six minutes later, Santiago Moreno equalized for the hosts. The Colombian lashed home a shot from just outside the box, with Bill Tuiloma kept onside by Dave Romney to block Joe Willis’s view.

The ‘Yotes saw a pair of second half penalty shouts denied, with Hany Mukhtar stunningly given a yellow card for simulation after being brought down in the box, but were ultimately unable to find a winner.

The big picture

Not all draws are created equal. A 1-1 draw on the road in Portland will feel wildly different to Nashville supporters from the 1-1 draw at home against Vancouver last weekend. Just as important as the point earned, they keep the Timbers from earning three points and passing them in the Western Conference playoff race.

The ‘Yotes have a quick turnaround, traveling back to Music City for a match against Toronto FC on Saturday night.

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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