Nashville SC defeated 2-1 the New York Red Bulls at GEODIS Park and recorded two tops: the team's first-ever win against the Red Bulls and the longest ever run in its MLS history. The win took the team to 23 points from 13 games, is five unbeaten in all competitions and took its home winning streak of this season to five.
The team also secured its sixth home win of 2025, breaking the total for the previous season, in which the team had secured five home wins,
The victory was built through goals scored by Hany Mukhtar and Patrick Yazbek. Yazbek scored the league-leading first goal after 34 minutes in the first half. Mukhtar's sixth goal of the season sealed the victory at 64 minutes. The Red Bulls had equalized late in the first half but could not stave off defeat. With 19 points garnered in eight matches at GEODIS Park, Nashville now possesses the best home record in the league.
A historic and symbolic victory
Nashville had never beaten the New York Red Bulls. In seven previous meetings, the high point was a draw. The 2-1 victory broke that record and created another highlight to the season to date. The win also reflected the team's good form after winning four of its previous five matches and having a five-match unbeaten streak (four wins and one draw) across all competitions.
To head coach BJ Callaghan, the meaning of the game goes deeper than the scoreboard. During a post-game press conference, he noted the connection of the team, city, and fans. "From day one, when we started here, we talked about wanting to be a team that represents the city. We want to be a team that represents the fans and one they can be proud of."
The win kept Nashville home, where it has been solid since April 12. That's when the team defeated Real Salt Lake 2-1. Five home victories in a row have been tallied by the team since. This is a contrast to last season, when the team only had five victories the entire season at GEODIS Park.
Yazbek earns his first and basks in growth
Patrick Yazbek scored in the 34th minute of the first half. It was his first MLS goal and a strike that was impressive for its power and accuracy. The Australian international who has played for his nation hit it with power and managed to beat goalkeeper Carlos Coronel.
Yazbek explained how it was to finally find the back of the net. "It just came together well. I've been working on finishing. Sometimes when I should probably be more selfish than I am on the pitch. I just started to ease up. So it was a good, pleasant feeling."
Yazbek has established his reputation by being low-key and committed, maintaining his priority on the group. "I don't play this sport for credit. I just love it. I love it a lot and I'm always watching games and I know my value on this team, for sure.". I know all the boys and everybody knows… Goals are important for every player and if I can score in football and also win, I'm satisfied.
Mukhtar delivers again
New York Red Bulls tied the score before halftime with a goal, but Nashville responded swiftly. Hany Mukhtar clinched the victory in the 64th minute of the second half with the team's second goal. It was his sixth goal of the season, a testament to why he is one of the most valuable players on the roster.
Coach BJ Callaghan was interviewed about the play and how it was built. "When you dream of what a Nashville goal will be like, those two are near the top," said the coach in describing the goals Yazbek and Mukhtar scored.