NASHVILLE – A game that looked like it was going to have some second-half goals at the break… finally got one deep into stoppage time when Ropapa Mensah slotted home the game-winner well after the allotted stoppage time had expired. Nashville SC 1, North Carolina FC 0.
Two substitutions played a key role in the goal. 79th-minute entry Alan Winn earned a free kick bursting down the left side after the clock had struck 93 minutes, but thanks to the infraction, there was more soccer to be played. Captain Michael Reed’s free kick service from 45 yards out found the head of defender Bradley Bourgeois, who nodded it back across the face of goal. Mensah, who had entered the game in the 68th, poked his toe past otherwise-unblemished NCFC keeper Alex Tambakis and won the game on its final kick.
Nashville SC maintained its undefeated home record with the 1-0 score, and had Mensah not saved the day, there may have been plenty of controversy regarding an 84th-minute decision from the official that helped keep the game knotted at zeroes. A nice passing sequence saw Lebo Moloto free in the box with the ball at his feet. Before he could get a shot off, he was cut down from behind. No call, move along.
Mensah’s finish rendered all that moot, however, when whatever problems Nashville had converting chances (21 shots, six on goal) into scoring can be an issue for another day. After a delay to begin the game and a contest that moved in fits and starts, all that will be remembered is one magical moment at the death of the clock.
Up next, it’s a return to midweek play with the US Open Cup’s Round of 16 on deck. Nashville will travel to Louisville this Wednesday for the third matchup of the season between the two. They’ve split 2-0 decisions with the home team winning each time, but the stakes are slightly different in cup play. Certainly, Nashville will feel like it has all the momentum after tonight’s 94th minute.
Starting lineups
Match events
- 16′ NSH Yellow card – 32 Brandon Allen (foul)
- 37′ NC Yellow card – 6 Austin Da Luz (foul)
- 45’+2 – Half time
- 68′ NSH Substitution – On 3 Ropapa Mensah, off 32 Brandon Allen
- 72′ NC Substitutions – On 22 Tiyi Shipalane, off 6 Austin Da Luz. On 10 Kyle Bekker, off 14 Daniel Rios
- 79′ NSH Substitution – On 19 Alan Winn, off 20 Matt LaGrassa
- 87′ NC Substitution – On 7 Donovan Ewolo, off 9 Marios Lomis
- 90’+4 NC Yellow card – 31 Steven Miller
- 90’+4 NSH GOAL – 3 Ropapa Mensah (right foot), assisted by 22 Bradley Bourgeois
Club and Country 