Major League Soccer Gameweek 26
Nashville SC 3 - 0 FT Chicago Fire
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Match Statistics
Possession
Shots
Shots on Target
Expected Goals (xG)
Passes
Pass Accuracy
Corners
Fouls
Yellow Cards
Red Cards
Match Events
33' S. Surridge (R. Baker-Whiting)
35' H. Mukhtar
HT
J. Elliott 57'
↓ R. Lod ↑J. Bamba 68'
↓ M. Haile-Selassie ↑P. Dithejane 68'
69' ↓ E. Saad ↑S. Mohammed
↓ S. Oregel ↑A. Mekvabishvili 75'
78' C. Espinoza (A. Najar)
↓ J. Dean ↑J. Gomez 79'
↓ D. D'Avilla ↑M. Pineda 79'
83' ↓ A. Najar ↑D. Lovitz
83' ↓ P. Yazbek ↑E. Tagseth
87' H. Mukhtar (C. Espinoza)
90'+1 ↓ H. Mukhtar ↑A. Muyl
90'+1 ↓ C. Espinoza ↑J. Bauer
FT
Player Cards
Our take on every player in this match
Nashville SC
Goalkeepers
Brian Schwake 
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
93
Minutes
Defenders
Andy Najar 
ARCHITECT
2
Key Passes
2
Key Passes
1
Assists
40%
Pass Acc
Jeisson Palacios 
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
2
Tackles
62%
Duel Win %
Maxwell Woledzi 
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
93
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Reed Baker-Whiting
ARCHITECT
2
Key Passes
2
Key Passes
1
Assists
43%
Pass Acc
Midfielders
Patrick Yazbek
LATE SHIFT
7
Late Mins
7
Late Mins
83
Total Mins
83
Entry
Matthew Corcoran
ARCHITECT
3
Key Passes
3
Key Passes
0
Assists
70%
Pass Acc
Cristian Espinoza 
CLOSER
1
Late Goals
1
Late Goals
0
Late Assists
75
Minute
Hany Mukhtar 
CLUTCH HERO
87
Goal Time
87
Goal Time
Goal
Impact
7.7
Rating
Elias Saad
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
68
Total Mins
69
Entry
Forwards
Sam Surridge 
FINISHER
1
Goals
1
Goals
3
Shots
7.5
Rating
BENCH
Joe Willis
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Jack Maher
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Josh Bauer
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
2
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Daniel Lovitz
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
10
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Alex Muyl
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
2
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Shakur Mohammed
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
25
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Edvard Tagseth
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
10
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Bryan Acosta
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Ahmed Qasem
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Chicago Fire
Goalkeepers
Chris Brady
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
93
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
Jonathan Dean
ARCHITECT
2
Key Passes
2
Key Passes
0
Assists
21%
Pass Acc
Jack Elliott 
SWEEPER
3
Cleanups
3
Cleanups
2
Interceptions
1
Blocks
Noah Allen
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
93
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Andrew Gutman 
STORMTROOPER
1
Shots
1
Shots
0
Goals
0
On Target
Midfielders
Sergio Oregel
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
75
Total Mins
75
Entry
Tah D'Avilla
LATE SHIFT
11
Late Mins
11
Late Mins
79
Total Mins
79
Entry
Robin Lod
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
68
Total Mins
68
Entry
Forwards
Philip Zinckernagel
STORMTROOPER
2
Shots
2
Shots
0
Goals
1
On Target
Robert Lewandowski
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
93
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Maren Haile-Selassie
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
68
Total Mins
68
Entry
BENCH
Josh Cohen
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Sam Rogers
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Leonardo Barroso
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Mauricio Pineda
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
14
Total Mins
Started
Entry
David Poręba
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Anzor Mekvabishvili
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
18
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Puso Dithejane
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
25
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Johan Gómez
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
14
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Jonathan Bamba
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
25
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Head to Head
| Date | Home | Score | Away | Competition | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04/05/2026 | Chicago Fire | 1 - 0 | Nashville SC | Major League Soccer | Soldier Field |
| 06/15/2025 | Chicago Fire | 0 - 2 | Nashville SC | Major League Soccer | Soldier Field |
| 04/27/2025 | Nashville SC | 7 - 2 | Chicago Fire | Major League Soccer | Geodis Park |
| 10/20/2024 | Chicago Fire | 0 - 3 | Nashville SC | Major League Soccer | Soldier Field |
| 09/19/2024 | Nashville SC | 1 - 0 | Chicago Fire | Major League Soccer | GEODIS Park |
| 07/09/2023 | Chicago Fire | 1 - 0 | Nashville SC | Major League Soccer | Soldier Field |
| 05/07/2023 | Nashville SC | 3 - 0 | Chicago Fire | Major League Soccer | GEODIS Park |
| 09/26/2021 | Chicago Fire | 0 - 0 | Nashville SC | Major League Soccer | Soldier Field |
| 07/18/2021 | Nashville SC | 5 - 1 | Chicago Fire | Major League Soccer | Nissan Stadium |
| 11/01/2020 | Nashville SC | 1 - 1 | Chicago Fire | Major League Soccer | Nissan Stadium |
04/05/2026
06/15/2025
04/27/2025
10/20/2024
09/19/2024
07/09/2023
05/07/2023
09/26/2021
07/18/2021
11/01/2020
Nashville SC Win
Chicago Fire Win
Draw
League Standings
P: 22 GD: +26
P: 21 GD: +14
P: 20 GD: +13
P: 21 GD: +10
P: 20 GD: +5
P: 22 GD: -11
P: 21 GD: +2
P: 19 GD: -2
P: 21 GD: +3
P: 20 GD: -5
P: 19 GD: -9
P: 19 GD: -11
P: 21 GD: -7
P: 22 GD: -16
League Standings
P: 26 GD: +32
P: 26 GD: +12
P: 25 GD: +15
P: 26 GD: +10
P: 25 GD: +7
P: 26 GD: +8
P: 26 GD: -14
P: 26 GD: -14
P: 25 GD: -7
P: 26 GD: +5
P: 25 GD: -8
P: 26 GD: -10
P: 26 GD: -5
P: 25 GD: -14
Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching
Nashville SC
Chicago Fire
Nashville SC
Chicago Fire
Win Probability
Futmetrix AI estimate
Music City Masterclass Leaves Fire in the Dust
Skip It Futmetrix Score: 36/100. A commanding 3-0 triumph at Geodis Park reinforces Nashville SC's status as the league's undeniable frontrunner.
Establishing Dominance
The game kicked off with the home side intent on stamping their authority early in front of a raucous crowd. Operating with controlled possession at 56%, Nashville methodically dismantled the Chicago Fire midfield. The relentless Intensity of the hosts yielded 13 total shots, keeping the visitors pinned deep in their own territory. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 33rd minute when S. Surridge found the back of the net, capitalizing on a precise feed from R. Baker-Whiting. Chicago's roster attempted to push back, but their complete inability to register more than a single shot on target meant the Balance of play heavily favored the league leaders. The Fire’s offensive struggles were evident as they generated a meager 0.96 expected goals compared to Nashville’s robust 2.07 xG.
The Decisive Blow
Despite trailing by just a single goal at the break, Chicago never truly threatened to alter the script. The second half became a tactical clinic by the home team, who efficiently navigated the massive Stakes of remaining atop the standings. Any lingering hopes of an away comeback evaporated in the 78th minute. C. Espinoza stepped squarely into the spotlight, firing home a crucial second goal after linking up beautifully with A. Najar. That strike effectively ended the contest, completely erasing any Upset Factor the visitors might have hoped to rely upon. Nashville's crisp ball movement—completing an impressive 89% of their 497 passes—ensured that the Fire spent the majority of the half chasing shadows rather than orchestrating a legitimate fightback.
Putting on a Show
With the three points securely tucked away, the hosts decided to give the Geodis Park faithful one last reason to celebrate before the final whistle. In the 87th minute, Espinoza turned provider, serving up a perfect opportunity for H. Mukhtar to make it 3-0. This final sequence perfectly encapsulated the massive gulf in class on the night. The victory pushes Nashville to 47 points, widening the gap and reinforcing their iron grip on first place in the regular season standings. For Chicago, currently sitting in fifth, this heavy defeat highlights the stark difference between a solid playoff contender and a true championship favorite. The comprehensive nature of this shutout serves as a glaring warning to the rest of the league.
Key Questions
What made Cristian Espinoza the Man of the Match?
Espinoza dominated the offensive third, delivering four key passes, scoring a crucial 78th-minute goal, and assisting the late dagger to earn an exceptional 8.6 rating.
What does this mean for Nashville SC's season?
This commanding shutout bolsters their league-leading position at 47 points, widening the gap at the top and firmly establishing them as regular-season championship favorites.
What is the Futmetrix Score?
The Futmetrix Score is our 0-100 verdict on how entertaining a match is. We look at intensity, balance, stakes, and star quality to tell you if it's worth your time.
Nashville SC's Title Credentials Face Fire Test
Highly Entertaining Futmetrix Score: 82/100. A top-of-the-table clash where Nashville's impenetrable home record meets a desperate Chicago side hunting for momentum.
The Setup
The championship race heats up on September 20, 2026, as Nashville SC welcome Chicago Fire to Geodis Park. The home side sits proudly at the summit of Major League Soccer with 54 points, boasting a Form rating that spells trouble for any visitor. Winning nearly all their home fixtures and averaging three goals a game in their own backyard, Nashville has turned their stadium into a fortress. Meanwhile, fifth-placed Chicago arrives on the back of a stuttering run of four consecutive draws. With the title race entering its decisive phase, the Stakes could not be higher for a Nashville side eager to maintain their commanding gap at the top of the table.
Key Battle
The attacking Stars on display will dictate the tempo of this encounter. Nashville's Hany Mukhtar has been tearing defenses apart, registering two goals and two assists in his recent outings. He will look to outshine Chicago's veteran talisman R. Lewandowski, who remains a lethal presence in the penalty area. Whichever frontline clicks first will likely decide where the points go.
Our Prediction
Expect a shootout, but one where the hosts ultimately overwhelm their opponents. Nashville's relentless attacking waves and superior finishing should secure a 3-1 victory, keeping them firmly in the driver's seat for the championship.