NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 27, 2021) – Nashville Soccer Club has officially clinched a berth in the 2021 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs after its historic 6-3 victory tonight over FC Cincinnati and the result of Columbus Crew defeating Orlando City earlier this evening.
“This group of players and coaches continue to rise to the occasion and meet each challenge in front of them, and we are so proud of them. To give this opportunity to the fans of this club is very special and want to congratulate everyone who supports this club on and off the field.” said Nashville SC General Manager Mike Jacobs.
Nashville SC continues to make history since its inception into Major League Soccer as the Boys in Gold become just the fourth team in the expansion era to clinch a spot in the playoffs in back-to-back seasons since joining MLS along with Atlanta United FC, LAFC and Seattle Sounders FC.
With the victory tonight, the Boys in Gold improved their record to 12W-4L-16D and 52 points. Nashville SC have been impeccable in the Music City, owning the longest active unbeaten home streak in MLS, going unbeaten in 17 consecutive home matches, dating back to last season with a victory in the 2020 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs over Inter Miami CF.
Led by a MVP candidate Hany Mukhtar and a stout defensive presence behind the reigning Defender of the Year Walker Zimmerman and Goalkeeper of the Year Candidate Joe Willis, Nashville SC created a balanced threat all season long to stay above the playoff line since June, allowing the fewest goals in the Eastern Conference to this date.
Mukhtar entered Wednesday’s contest ranking third in MLS in goals + assists with 23, tied for seventh in MLS in goals with 13, fourth in shots with 84, and third in shots on target with 39. He also leads Nashville SC in these respective categories as well as assists. Mukhtar added to his assist total this season with three on the evening.
For Zimmerman, the 2021 All-Star Defender has anchored the Nashville SC backline to a 0.70 goals-against average when he’s in the lineup this season entering Wednesday’s match against Cincinnati. Nashville SC owns a record of 8W-3L-11D with Zimmerman in the lineup this season.
Helping Nashville SC into their elite status among expansion sides in the modern era is free agent signing CJ Sapong who reached the double-digit goal plateau for just the third time in his MLS career, including a brace tonight in the win over FC Cincinnati.
The Boys in Gold will continue its 2021 MLS regular season with a pair of Eastern Conference matches. Nashville will travel to the Sunshine State to take on Orlando City SC this Sunday before returning home to Nissan Stadium to host New York Red Bulls on Decision Day Nov. 7.
Visit www.NashvilleSC.com and follow the club’s social channels on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to keep up with Nashville SC.
