Nashville beats New York 3-2 to end Red Bulls playoff hopes
A stoppage-time header by Sam Surridge secured a win that also clinched a playoff spot for Columbus.
By Dylan Moore ·
Sam Surridge headed the ball into the net in the first minute of stoppage time to give Nashville a 3-2 win over New York on Sunday. The result ended the Red Bulls' chance to make the postseason.
New York took control of the match early in the second half. Julian Hall scored in the 34th minute to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. That goal came after Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake saved a penalty kick by Cade Cowell in the 19th minute.
New York extended its lead six minutes later. Rafael Mosquera scored his first MLS goal just one minute after entering the game as a substitute. Cowell and Devin Padelford provided the assists for the 2-0 advantage.
Nashville cut the deficit to 2-1 at halftime when New York defender Tim Parker scored an own goal in the 45th minute. The score remained 2-1 until the 81st minute, when defender Julian Bazan put the ball into his own net to tie the game.
The final goal came from Cristian Espinoza's assist. It was Espinoza's 15th assist of his career. Surridge's 19th goal of the season gave Nashville the win and extended the club's unbeaten streak to nine games.
The loss also affected another team. Because Toronto FC lost 3-1 to Atlanta United on the same day, the Columbus Crew secured a berth in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
New York will host Atlanta United on Saturday to finish its regular season. Nashville will travel to FC Cincinnati for its final match of the year.
Source: Houston Chronicle
