Nashville rallies past Red Bulls to end playoff hopes
Nashville overturned a two-goal deficit to beat the New York Red Bulls 3-2 on November 1 in Nashville, eliminating New York from playoff contention. Columbus secured an Eastern Conference postseason place.
The Red Bulls led 2-0 in the first half, but two own goals brought Nashville level before Sam Surridge headed in the winner during stoppage time. The defeat ended New York’s postseason hopes with one regular-season match left and marked the first time the club has missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.
Julian Hall put New York ahead in the 34th minute, after Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake saved Cade Cowell’s penalty. Six minutes later, Rafael Mosquera scored his first MLS goal to make it 2-0. Tim Parker’s own goal just before halftime cut into the lead, and Julian Bazan’s own goal in the 81st minute tied the match.
Surridge scored his 19th goal of the season in the first minute of added time, finishing a cross from Cristian Espinoza, who recorded his 15th assist of the campaign. Nashville’s win extended its unbeaten run to nine matches. The club had already clinched the Supporters’ Shield and finished the season unbeaten at home, with a 15-0-2 record.
New York head coach Michael Bradley called the result disappointing and said the team needed to learn and improve. The Red Bulls’ season followed major changes to the club’s leadership and roster, but they struggled to find consistency. They host Atlanta United in their finale on Saturday; Nashville visits FC Cincinnati. Columbus clinched a postseason berth, while neither New York MLS team will make the playoffs for the first time since NYCFC joined the league in 2015.