MOLOTO'S BRACE CARRIES NASHVILLE PAST THE DEFENDING CHAMPS
NASHVILLE – The mighty fell at First Tennessee Park on Sunday. Another home game led to another 2-0 victory for Nashville SC as a brace from Lebo Moloto rocketed Nashville past the defending USL Cup champions Louisville City 2-0.
90 in a Nutshell
Unlike the opening game of the season in Louisville that saw Nashville sit back and try to absorb LCFC’s pressure, Nashville took the attack to the champs at home and it paid off late in the first half. Forward Ropapa Mensah sent a cross to the top of the box for Moloto who skimmed it in into the net to give Nashville the lead.
While Louisville looked for the equalizer, Nashville was able to convert on the counter late in the second half. This time it was captain Michael Reed who sent a ball into the box, but it was Moloto again who found the back of the net. His header secured the win for Nashville in the 84’ minute. It was the first time that any team had scored twice against Louisville this season.
The shutout by Matt Pickens and the defense is the fifth this season and the third in three games at home. Pickens made four saves, while the defense limited the chances for Louisville.
Goals
39’ NSH - Moloto (assisted by Mensah)
84’ NSH – Moloto (assisted by Reed)
Key Stat
2 goals & a shutout – It’s the second consecutive 2-0 win at home for Nashville and each has come at First Tennessee Park. The friendly confines of Nashville’s home field were kind again as Nashville SC is establishing quite a home field advantage.
Standings Update
With the three points, Nashville SC has vaulted itself into the top eight with 12 points.
Next Up
It will be a short turnaround for Nashville SC as the club will play its first U.S. Open Cup game of its history on Wednesday night at Vanderbilt Soccer Complex against Inter Nashville FC.
