Nashville Breaks Through in Final Moments to Defeat Red Bulls

Published: Thursday, August 20, 2026

by Matthew Merlino

HARRISON, N.J. - Nashville SC (14-4-2), the best team in MLS so far this season, recorded their first road win since May 13th over Red Bull New York (7-4-9) on Wednesday night. 

The Red Bulls looked to keep their home momentum from a 3-2 win against Orlando on August 1st. Nashville beat Miami 4-1 in a battle between the top two teams in MLS last Saturday and went 1-2 in the Leagues Cup Group Stage against Mexican sides León, Atlético de San Luis, and Monterrey. 

An early yellow card for Nashville’s David Lovitz was the first of three for the visitors on the night. Also booked were Matthew Corcoran and Jack Maher. The Lovitz yellow led to a free kick opportunity for the Red Bulls that was saved by Brian Schwake of Nashville in the 15th minute. 

Nashville would come back to score in the 24th minute, but the goal was disallowed due to offsides. New York captain Emil Forsberg just missed the back of the net in the 34th minute. Moments later, Red Bulls keeper Ethan Horvath stopped Nashville’s leading goal scorer Sam Surridge in a one-on-one.

Despite the exciting first half, the game was scoreless at halftime. New York outshot Nashville six to three in the first 45 minutes, despite Nashville having a six percent possession advantage. Nashville also had five fouls in the first half compared to just one for New York. 

The second half would not have the same excitement, but at the 82nd minute, a second Nashville goal was disallowed due to offsides. A yellow card for New York’s Julian Bazan at 90(+1) would set up a free kick for Nashville that was headed home by Maxwell Woledzi for just his second career MLS goal.

That would give the visitors their second-straight MLS victory. 

The loss is the Red Bulls’ second-straight, after a 2-1 loss in Atlanta last Saturday. However, the Red Bulls stay at eighth in the Eastern Conference, one point back of rivals New York City FC for the final spot in round one of the MLS Cup Playoffs.  

As of now, New York will host D.C. United in a wild card game. Nashville strengthens its lead in both the Eastern Conference and Supporter’s Shield standings to seven points, both over Miami. There are 14 games remaining in the regular season for both teams. 

This game was the first of a three-game home stand for New York. They will play Chicago on Saturday in Harrison. Meanwhile, Nashville will head back home to face Columbus on Saturday.

Matthew Merlino can be reached at matthew.merlino@student.shu.edu

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