Rapid Review: Nashville SC makes it 5 wins in a row, notches late goal to down CF Montréal

Au revoir, Montréal. 

Like Friday’s win against Atlanta, Wednesday’s home showpiece against CF Montréal often had the makings of a frustrating 0-0 draw. But like that match, too, Wednesday showed how resilient the Boys in Gold can be under pressure, converting another late chance into a vital 1-0 win that keeps Nashville top of both the Eastern Conference and Supporters’ Shield tables.

It also secured Nashville’s fifth win in a row and 10th consecutive match unbeaten, keeping it on pace for the best start in MLS history. 

It was Surridge who made the difference in the second half. 

The English striker, making just his second start since April, sped down the right sideline and into the 18-yard box in the 68th minute, looking to corral the ball before it sailed out of play. But he was dragged down as he slowed his run, prompting an immediate whistle from the referee. Hany Mukhtar briefly stood over the penalty spot as Surridge readied himself, before making way for the two-time MLS All-Star to power home.

Surridge’s goal marked his first since a late April brace against Charlotte. He now sits just three goals shy of the Golden Boot lead. 

That was the best chance of a match which saw several others narrowly missed. Shak Mohammed — the hero of Friday’s win against Atlanta United — sent a header from a Sam Surridge cross just over the crossbar before Alex Muyl misfired off a rebound early in the first half. Mohammed had another good opportunity as the half wore to a close, as well. 

The Boys in Gold enjoyed most of the early attacking threat and possession against their Canadian visitors, holding almost 90% of the ball through the opening 10 minutes. Montreal began to find its footing once that opening spell subsided, employing a tenacious press near midfield and when Nashville’s defenders regained control of the ball. That forced the Boys in Gold into long balls or individual take-ons to start attacks, allowing the visitors to keep substantial numbers in the offensive half.

Nashville’s defense held Montreal without a shot for the entire first half, however, as its ownoffense peppered six, sending both teams into the break without a goal but with the attacking stats firmly tilted the hosts’ way. 

The start of the second half saw more of the same. Montreal offered little in attack as Nashville flooded forward. Alex Muyl and Mohammed did their best to threaten down the wings, playing some nice interchanges with Hany Mukhtar, but the final ball evaded them. The injection of Andy Najar on the stroke of an hour added creativity and passing range to Nashville’s defense as it chased an opener, creating more opportunities for Surridge to ghost into the center of the box and draw defenders. 

With just over 20 minutes to play, and the Boys in Gold had finally found their lead. They rode their defensive resolve from that point onward. Brian Schwake made another spectacular block from close-range as Jeisson Palacios and Maxwell Woledzi cleaned up centrally, hamstringing Montreal striker Prince Owusu. By match’s end, Nashville had surrendered just 0.66 expected goals and secured its eighth clean sheet of the season — the first time it has ever reached that mark through 16 games. 

Another short rest awaits the league-leaders, who hit the road for a Saturday evening date with Orlando, slated for 6:30 p.m. CT.

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