Atlanta United clinched a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Nashville SC in their Week 26 MLS matchup. The decisive goal was scored by Ronald Hernández in the 23rd minute of the first half, ensuring Atlanta took all three points.
Nashville SC had a chance to equalize in the second half when Sam Surridge struck the woodwork in the 51st minute, missing out on what could have been a pivotal moment in the game.
Despite Nashville’s dominance in terms of shots, totaling 21 attempts throughout the match, they struggled to convert these opportunities effectively. Of those, 11 were on target, 1 hit the post, while 9 went off-target.
The standout player of the match was Enea Mihaj, who played a crucial role in defense for Atlanta, clearing 9 dangerous balls from his area. Additionally, Stian Gregersen made significant contributions, helping to keep Nashville’s attack at bay with 4 critical clearances.
Under the guidance of coach B. J. Callaghan, Nashville SC lined up in a 4-3-3 formation with Joseph Willis in goal; Andy Nájar, Walker Zimmerman, Jeisson Palacios, and Josh Bauer forming the defensive line; Alex Muyl, Patrick Yazbek, and Gastón Brugman in midfield; and Hany Mukhtar, Sam Surridge, and Jacob Shaffelburg leading the attack.
On the other side, Ronny Deila’s Atlanta United also opted for a 4-3-3 setup, featuring Jayden Hibbert between the posts; Ronald Hernández, Enea Mihaj, Stian Gregersen, and Pedro Amador in defense; Steven Alzate, Aleksei Miranchuk, and Bartosz Slisz in midfield; with Luke Brennan, Jamal Thiare, and Miguel Ángel Almirón up front.
The match, held at Geodis Park, was officiated by Ismir Pekmic.
Substitutions for Nashville SC
37’ 1T – Alex Muyl was replaced by Jonathan Pérez
67’ 2T – Jacob Shaffelburg was substituted for Tyler Boyd and Josh Bauer went off for Daniel Lovitz
83’ 2T – Gastón Brugman was taken off for Teal Bunbury and Patrick Yazbek made way for Edvard Tagseth
Yellow Cards for Nashville SC
37’ 1T – Andy Nájar (Unsporting behavior)
25’ 2T – Jeisson Palacios (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for Atlanta United
61’ 2T – Steven Alzate was substituted off for Tristan Muyumba and Luke Brennan left the pitch for Saba Lobjanidze
71’ 2T – Stian Gregersen was replaced by Juan Berrocal
86’ 2T – Jamal Thiare came off for Cayman Togashi, and Miguel Ángel Almirón was substituted for Brooks Lennon
Yellow Cards for Atlanta United
42’ 1T – Jamal Thiare (Unsporting behavior)
8’ 2T – Pedro Amador (Unsporting behavior)
13’ 2T – Ronald Hernández (Unsporting behavior)
17’ 2T – Jayden Hibbert (Unsporting behavior)
31’ 2T – Bartosz Slisz (Unsporting behavior)
34’ 2T – Miguel Ángel Almirón (Unsporting behavior)
49’ 2T – Aleksei Miranchuk (Unsporting behavior)