Nashville SC and Minnesota United FC delighted a limited but engaged group of fans with numerous chances but no goals, with the teams settling for a 0-0 draw on Tuesday night at Nissan Stadium.
While the first half didn't result in any goals, it did produce some liveliness even without sone of the usual suspects in the lineup. Nashville produced the most and best chances in the first half, largely due to Alex Muyl's energy up top. However, Muyl's best chance for a first-half goal was well blocked by Minnesota goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, who was instrumental in keeping the home side scoreless.
Nashville put in work on the defensive end, best exemplified by a 39th-minute play in which Daniel Lovitz executed a perfect slide tackle to strip Kevin Molino of the ball as he was setting up for a shot.
The second half brought more chances but more offensive futility. Ethan Finlay had a 65th-minute run on goal, but Joe Willis made himself big to block the shot. On the other end, sub Alan Winn whiffed on a shot that is sure to lead to some uncomfortable film room viewing.
Both teams made some savvy late subs, with Minnesota bringing in veteran Kei Kamara and Nashville countering with former Minnesota forward Abu Danladi. But neither move was able to generate a goal.
Goals
- None
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: The result kept both teams in playoff position, with Nashville moving up to eighth in the East, and the Loons keeping the fourth spot in the West. Despite the Kamara and Danladi chess moves late, this had the feel of a late-season, fixture-congestion, let's-not-break-anybody match with the long haul in mind.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: The Lovitz tackle on Molino made a statement about the Nashville defense, and it might be one of the best defensive plays in the entire MLS season.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: When it's 0-0, you look to the goalkeepers. St. Clair faced the most challenges early on, yet Willis ultimately ended up facing the most shots and making the most saves.
Next Up
- NSH: Sunday, October 11 at Sporting Kansas City (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)
- MIN: Sunday, October 11 at FC Dallas (8:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN in US; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)
