Nashville 3, Red Bulls 2: Surridge's stoppage-time header ties a points record
Nashville came back from two goals down, helped by two own goals, and reached 74 points to equal the MLS single-season mark.
Nashville SC trailed the New York Red Bulls 2-0 in the first half on Sunday and still won 3-2, with Sam Surridge heading in a corner in the first minute of stoppage time. The result, reported by Field Level Media and Six One Five Soccer, lifted Nashville to 74 points and eliminated New York from playoff contention.
New York's early lead
The Red Bulls were the better side for most of the first half, both outlets report. Julian Hall put them ahead in the 34th minute, and Rafael Mosquera made it 2-0 in the 40th with a finish from Cade Cowell's ball. Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake saved a penalty in the first half, keeping the deficit at two.
Nashville's comeback
Nashville pulled one back right before the interval. Andy Najar's cross deflected off Red Bulls defender Tim Parker and into his own net in the 45th minute. After the break, Nashville pressed hard: Field Level Media says two goals were ruled out for offside early in the half and the home side hit the woodwork several times.
The equaliser came in the 78th minute when a low Cristian Espinoza cross was redirected into the net by Red Bulls midfielder Julian Bazan, another own goal. Then, in the 91st minute, Surridge headed home Espinoza's corner for the winner. It was his 19th goal of the season, a team high per Field Level Media.
The record
Nashville finished the day at 22-3-8 with 74 points. Field Level Media reports that ties the MLS single-season points record set by Inter Miami in 2024, with one match left to play. Six One Five Soccer adds that Nashville also set a record for home wins in a season, with 15, and that its final regular-season match is at Cincinnati on Decision Day, where a win or draw would give it the record outright.
What it means for New York
The Red Bulls finish 11-16-6 on 39 points, per Field Level Media, and are out of the playoff race. They led by two goals on the road and were undone by two own goals and a late set piece.
For Nashville the picture is simpler. They already sit at the top of the table with a record in reach, and the comeback gave the home crowd a final chance to celebrate in front of them before the trip to Cincinnati.