Nashville SC Blasts FC Cincinnati 4-0, Extends Unbeaten Home Run and Shields Chase

Photo / Nashville SC

NASHVILLE, TN - Nashville SC continued its dominant march toward the Supporters’ Shield on Saturday night, crushing expansion rival FC Cincinnati 4-0 at GEODIS Park for its first series win over the visitors and a fourth straight victory.

The Boys in Gold improved to 16 wins in MLS play, sitting nine points clear atop the table and on pace for a record-setting season. They also matched the league’s best home mark through 12 matches, remaining the only side still undefeated at home in 2026.

What was billed as a clash between Nashville’s stingy defense (just 17 goals conceded in 21 league games) and Cincinnati’s high-powered attack featuring Kevin Denkey and Evander quickly became a showcase of Nashville’s attacking depth. Cristian Espinoza, Elias Saad, and Hany Mukhtar all threatened inside the opening five minutes. Sam Surridge joined the early barrage before the breakthrough arrived in the 43rd minute.

Andy Najar combined with Espinoza on the right, and the Argentine’s out-swinging cross found Surridge at the far post. The header leveled the striker with Evander on 13 league goals and moved Espinoza level on 11 assists. Cincinnati dropped to second in the scoring charts after Inter Miami’s 7-1 rout of Montréal.

The second half brought more of the same. Brian Schwake produced a series of outstanding saves, while Maxwell Woledzi cleared off the line twice. Saad then twisted his marker inside-out on the break and cut the ball back for Mukhtar, who finished from close range. Bryan Acosta blasted home late after a clever Mukhtar free kick, and Ahmed Qasem added the fourth in stoppage time to turn a solid win into a rout.

Nashville now turns its attention to a three-game road stretch beginning Friday night at New York City FC.