HARRISON, N.J. – It was one of those nights for the Boys in Gold. Against a tenacious press from New York Red Bulls, Nashville SC couldn’t find its footing, particularly in midfield (in the absence of Aníbal Godoy as he returns from international duty with Panama). After the hosts took a 1-0 lead, Nashville didn’t manage to claw back much in the way of possession, and had only a few opportunities against the Red Bulls.
It only takes one moment, and Fábio made the most of his. On a free kick from Red Bulls territory (perhaps not quite as deep as Nashville would have liked – and CJ Sapong got a quick scolding for trying to move the ball back to the point of the infraction), Sean Nealis found the head of Patryk Klimala, and his lay-off gave the Brazilian the chance for an incredible volleyed finish off the far post and in. Red Bull would go on to double the lead just 10 minutes into the second half. It was an even more innocuous situation, with right back Kyle Duncan collecting the ball outside the Nashville penalty area. However, there was no close-out, and the US international slotted into the bottom corner with his weaker left foot.
Nashville did have a pair of second-half chances, with a Randall Leal time-and-room strike saved by Red Bulls keeper Carlos Coronel, and a Hany Mukhtar free kick ringing the crossbar after beating Coronel’s outstretched fingertips. Aside from those, the best opportunities fizzled out in the box (striker CJ Sapong took one touch too many and lost possession), or came from the foot of a Red Bull player – and saved by the face of defender Andres Reyes.
On a brighter note, it was a night for youth out of the Boys in Gold. An MLS debut for rookie Irakoze Donasiyano, an extended performance for second-year player (though first in MLS) Luke Haakenson, and the return of winger Handwalla Bwana after an absence over the past three games.
With the loss, Nashville drops to 2-1-5 on the year.
Nashville will have to lick its wounds and move on. The Boys in Gold host Toronto FC Wednesday at Nissan Stadium.
Starting lineups
Match events
- 37′ NYRB GOAL – 9 Fábio (right-footed volley, off post), assisted by 10 Patryk Klimala (headed layoff from free kick by 15 Sean Nealis)
- 45’+1 Half time
- 50′ RBNY Substitution – On 16 Dru Yearwood, off 7 Tom Edwards
- 56′ RBNY GOAL – 6 Kyle Duncan (left-footed, outside the penalty area)
- 58′ RBNY Yellow card – 10 Patryk Klimala (foul)
- 63′ NSH Substitutions:
- On 13 Irakoze Donasiyano, off 22 Matt LaGrassa
- On 3 Jalil Anibaba, off 25 Walker Zimmerman
- On 26 Luke Haakenson, off 8 Randall Leal
- 71′ RBNY Yellow card – 6 Kyle Duncan (foul)
- 75′ RBNY Substitution – On 74 Tom Barlow, off 9 Fábio
- 77′ NSH Substitution – On 7 Abu Danladi, off 17 CJ Sapong
- 83′ RBNY Substitutions:
- On 3 Amro Tarek, off 4 Andres Reyes
- On 19 Wikelman Carmona, off 8 Frankie Amaya
- 84′ NSH Substitution – On 70 Handwalla, off 10 Hany Mukhtar
- 90’+5 Full time
Club and Country 