Maxwell Woledzi’s header in second-half extra time gave Nashville SC a 1-0 road win over the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday in Harrison, N.J.
Two minutes into stoppage time, Cristian Espinoza launched a free kick deep into the box. Woledzi was in position to head the ball over the line, as the defender’s second goal of the season came in dramatic fashion.
Nashville (14-2-4, 46 points) extended its lead atop the MLS standings as the team pursues its first-ever Supporters’ Shield. Nashville SC are 7-1-2 in their last 10 regular-season matches.
Brian Schwake made one save to record his ninth clean sheet of the season. Nashville SC has allowed a league-low 15 goals this season.
Woledzki’s late goal spoiled a rare defensive showcase for the Red Bulls, who were within minutes of their second shutout of the season. New York (7-9-4, 25 points) is among the league leaders in goals allowed, with 42 concessions in 20 matches.
The Red Bulls are 1-4-0 in their last five matches. New York remains above the Eastern Conference playoff line, but in a wild card position.
Schwake made a strong save to deny Emil Forsberg from close range in the 34th minute. That was the only shot on target for New York in 13 overall shots, as the Red Bulls created multiple quality chances but couldn’t find a finish.
The pattern developed early when Julian Hall’s shot went wide on a tremendous opportunity in the box in the 10th minute. Hall and Jorge Ruvalcaba each put other chances wide in the second half, wasting some strong build-up passing plays from the Red Bulls.
Nashville SC had two would-be goals quickly erased on offside calls, and three of their 11 shots were on target. Besides Woledzki’s goal, Nashville’s best scoring opportunity came on a Sam Surridge breakaway in the 39th minute that was stopped by New York goalkeeper Ethan Horvath.
Patrick Yazbek entered as a substitute in the 70th minute. Yazbek missed Nashville’s previous nine regular-season matches due to a quad injury.
–Field Level Media
