Match Recap: Nashville SC can't hold on, lose 2-1 away to NYCFC
For the first time in 2025, Nashville SC have lost three in a row. In a disjointed game broken up by a lengthy weather delay, the Coyotes’ first-ever trip to Yankee Stadium (no, really) ended in defeat as New York City FC scored twice unanswered to come from behind and pick up all three points.
Scoring was opened in the 10th minute after a silky counter attack ended in a great finish from Nashville’s Jacob Shaffelburg. Then, exactly half an hour later, Andres Perea found space in the box, and fired home the leveler.
Almost as soon as Perea and his teammates finished celebrating, the lightning arrived. After a lengthy delay, the final pieces of the first half were played, and then a full halftime had.
After the break, things were all NYCFC. A resolute Nashville defense was finally broken in the 77th minute by an Alonso Martinez tap-in. The goal gave NYCFC a lead they would never relinquish.
The loss doesn’t affect Nashville’s table positioning, but it likely eliminates them from serious Supporters Shield contention with just seven games remaining, and brings Orlando City level on points with the Coyotes for a crucial place in the top four.
Lineup
Joe Willis started in goal behind a modified back four featuring Josh Bauer at left back alongside Jack Maher, Jeisson Palacios, and Andy Najar. They fed passes to a two man midfield of Patrick Yazbek and Eddi Tagseth.
These players supported a front four of Hany Mukhtar, Sam Surridge, Jonathan Pérez, and Jacob Shaffelburg. Off the bench, B.J. Callaghan called on the likes of Ahmed Qasem, Walker Zimmerman, Gastón Brugman and Teal Bunbury.
The Numbers
Nashville SC
Shots: 12
Shots on goal: 4
Possession: 46%
xG: 1.6
Corners: 4
Yellow Cards: 2 (Eddi Tagseth, Sam Surridge)
New York City FC
Shots: 12
Shots on goal: 4
Possession: 54
xG: 1.8
Corners: 2
Yellow Cards: 3 (Maxi Moralez, Andres Perea, Alonso Martinez)
Analysis
Maybe we got ahead of ourselves, huh? This slide from Nashville continues, and now, with Inter Miami still holding onto their three games in hand, the Coyotes are directly dueling Orlando for what will likely be fourth.
Nashville absolutely were a contender for the Shield. They still should be looked at as a favorite to capture the US Open Cup at this point alongside their semifinal opponent Philadelphia.
But, this is still year one of the rebuild. It’s not entirely surprising a team that is as thin as this one is in spots (left back and striker, notably) lacks the gas to be truly elite for a full 34 games. There’s no shame in that.
Now, Nashville must really pick themselves up off the canvas. That Orlando team they’re competing with? The Lions come to Nashville on August 23rd. After these three road losses, the Coyotes desperately need a home rebound, and they couldn’t ask for a bigger game to get it in if they’re up to the task.