Jacob Shaffelburg scored his second goal in third game of the season and Taylor Washington scored his first goal since October 2019 as Nashville SC rolled past CF Montréal on Saturday at Geodis Park.
Nashville (2-0-1, 7 points) bounced back from a scoreless game last week against the New York Red Bulls by silencing Montréal’s attack and putting two goals up on four shots on goal.
Nashville’s seven points cements its best start in its four-year history.
Montréal begins the season with three loses.
Here are a few observations from Saturday’s game
Shaffelburg, Mukhtar star again
The decisive goal was a copy-paste finish from that of two weeks ago against New York City FC at the same south end of the same stadium.
On each goal, forward Hany Mukhtar collected the ball a few yards into Nashville’s half and ignited a fast break with defenders in a full-on sprint to catch him. Two weeks ago, NYCFC defenders committed too late and allowed Mukhtar to penetrate their own penalty box.
On Saturday, Montreal lacked numbers in a 3-vs.-2 breakaway and committed too early. Mukhtar poked the ball to Shaffelburg on his left and the Canadian put his laces through the ball, which kissed the crossbar and bouncing in for the goal.
Montréal attack silenced
Montréal hasn’t scored yet in 2023 and Saturday’s stat line exasperated that.
Nashville didn’t allow Montréal a shot on goal, holding its best forward Romell Quioto to just one shot 20 yards from goal.
Strong start
Nashville’s seven points in its first three games of 2023 means its best start as an MLS club (since 2020.)
In 2022, Nashville earned four points in the same span, a one-point improvement from 2021.
For stories about Nashville SC or Soccer in Tennessee, contact Drake Hills at DHills@gannett.com. Follow Drake on Twitter at @LiveLifeDrake. Connect with Drake on Instagram at @drakehillssoccer and on Facebook.
