Mensah, Akinyode Turn in Man of the Match Performances
August 25, 2019 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Nashville SC News Release
NASHVILLE - After a fan vote late in Nashville SC's 2-1 win over Charleston Battery, Ropapa Mensah was named the Budweiser Man of the Match in the 85' minute. That vote occurred prior to Bolu Akinyode scoring the match-winning goal in the 90'+3 minute to give Nashville a dramatic three points. Due to that, we will highlight both goalscorers as Men of the Match.
Mensah's goal, a header via a cross from defender Darnell King, equalized the match in the 56' minute. The young forward had been sniffing the goal all night, with multiple shots and opportunities in the first half. The persistence paid off with the header for Mensah's fifth goal of the season. In the match, the Ghanaian had seven shots, a Nashville SC high for any player home match this season, with two finding the target. Mensah also tied for the team lead with five chances created.
Akinyode, meanwhile, started his 16th start of the season and his 23rd appearance in league play. With long term injuries to midfielder Derrick Jones and Michael Reed, Akinyode has been a solid and consistent presence in the midfield, providing cover for the NSC backline. His thrilling goal was his first goal of the season and just his second in his two seasons in Nashville. Both of Akinyode's goals have come in the 90' minute or later, tying him with Mensah for the most 90' minute goals in club history.
Even without the goal, Akinyode's performance in Nashville's win was noteworthy as he completed a team-high 89.7% of his passes while contributing two interceptions and three tackles.
Akinyode, Mensah and the rest of the Boys in Gold will have a full week to recover from a three match in eight days stretch before a huge road clash with Tampa Bay Rowdies next Saturday in St. Petersburg, Fla.
• Discuss this story on the United Soccer League Championship message board...
United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 25, 2019
- A physical night results in the Steel battling back, but falling to the Legion - Philadelphia Union II
- Legion FC Takes All Three Points from Chaotic Match at Bethlehem - Birmingham Legion FC
- Indy Eleven Extends Home Unbeaten Streak to 20 Games Via 3-1 Defeat of Charlotte Independence - Indy Eleven
- Mensah, Akinyode Turn in Man of the Match Performances - Nashville SC
- Lights FC Blanks Portland in 1-0 Win - Las Vegas Lights FC
- Del Campo, Kurimoto Spark Second-Half Comeback to Beat Colorado Springs - Fresno FC
- T2 Fall 1-0 on the Road to Las Vegas Lights FC Saturday Night - Portland Timbers 2
- Switchbacks FC Fall Late on the Road to Fresno FC - Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
- Real Monarchs SLC Drops 3-1 Result at Orange County SC - Real Monarchs
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Nashville SC Stories
- Randall Leal Called up to Costa Rica National Team for November CONCACAF Nations League Matches
- Doolsta Excited to Compete in First International FIFA 20 Competition of the Season
- Pickens, Tribbett, Davis Named to USL Championship All-Opta First Team
- Samuel Abraham Crowned Champion of Tennessee EA Sports FIFA 20 Challenge
- Nashville SC to Auction 2019 Branded Stadium Signage with All Proceeds Going to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital
