FRISCO, Texas (Aug. 16, 2020) - After a three-and-a-half hour weather delay, Nashville SC earned its second-straight shutout in a 0-0 draw against FC Dallas that went into the early hours of Monday morning at Toyota Stadium.
The draw gave Nashville SC four points in this week’s two-match series with FC Dallas after taking the win on Wednesday night. Nashville dominated in the attacking third of the pitch with 21 shots to Dallas’ 12.
Goalkeeper Joe Willis earned his second-consecutive clean sheet. Dating back to Nashville SC’s match in Portland on March 8, the Boys in Gold have not conceded a goal in 258 minutes of action.
Nashville SC took to the pitch from the extended weather delay with cooler temperatures and a high-intensity attitude for the first half. Taking control of the attacking third and neutralizing threats from FC Dallas in their defensive half, Nashville dominated the play but was unable to finish its chances in the first 45 minutes.
Winger Randall Leal led the team in shots for the half, taking three of the team’s total seven and putting two on frame, including a near-post rebound shot after Alistair Johnston’s strike was knocked down by Dallas’s Jimmy Maurer in the 32’ minute to retain the scoreless first half.
Nashville kept the pressure on and the tempo high in the second half, keeping possession and consistently beating Dallas on 50/50 chances to the ball. Dominique Badji had the best chance of the night after a strong dribble into the box by Mukhtar was lost amongst defenders, but Badji collected and drove the ball for a shot that deflected off of the far right post.
David Accam nearly secured a second last-minute win for Nashville against Dallas in the 92’ minute when Abu Danladi drew Maurer out of the box for a challenge and Accam was able to take a long shot from half-field, but the ball sailed left and Nashville finished the match in a draw.
Key Stat:
21- Nashville SC took 21 shots on Sunday night, 7 of which were on frame. Both stats set new game high records in franchise history, but the ball couldn’t find the back of the net to secure a second win in Frisco.
Other Notes:
- Alistair Johnston made his first MLS start after making his first appearance as a substitute on Wednesday night
- Jalil Anibaba saw his first minutes for Nashville SC, earning the start on the backline
- Taylor Washington made his MLS debut as a substitute in the second half
Up Next: Nashville SC will head south to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 22 for rematch against its southern rivals Atlanta United. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.
Lineup: Joe Willis; Dan Lovitz, Dave Romney, Walker Zimmerman, Jalil Anibaba; Aníbal Godoy, Dax McCarty, Alistair Johnston (Taylor Washington – 66’), Hany Mukhtar (David Accam – 73’), Randall Leal (Derrick Jones – 66’); Dominique Badji (Abu Danladi – 73’)
Unused Substitutes: Elliot Panicco, Matt LaGrassa, Daniel Ríos, Jack Maher, Brayan Beckeles
Disciplinary:
DAL: Franco Jara (caution) – 40’
NSH: Dax McCarty (caution) – 69’
HIGHLIGHTS:
