
Nashville SC Shows Star Power, Team Grit in Road Win at CF MontréalÃâÃÂ
September 13, 2021 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Nashville SC News Release
It took a connection between two big-game players to take the lead.ÃÂ
It took a full team effort to lock it down.ÃÂ
Nashville SC defeated CF Montréal 1-0 on Saturday night thanks to a Walker Zimmerman headed goalÃÂ on the end of a Hany Mukhtar crossÃÂ in theÃÂ 66' minute.ÃÂ The win vaulted Nashville to sole possession of second place in the Eastern Conference and 11 points above theÃÂ MajorÃÂ LeagueÃÂ SoccerÃÂ Cup Playoff line.ÃÂ
Head Coach Gary Smith lauded Zimmerman's leadership and capabilities in a crucial match against another playoff contender, especially after two weeks in U.S. Men's National Team camp.
"His presence alone lifts others around him," Smith said. "He's an organizer, he's a leader, and the example he sets is just such a high one. He looked composed on the ball, he looked a threat in the air and was physically dominant. And let's keep in mindÃÂ heÃÂ traveled withÃÂ [the USMNT], he's not had any football and his preparation time will have been limited.ÃÂ SoÃÂ to come in here today and play 90 minutes at the level he has - and, in fairness, win the game - has been monumental for us. Again, just underlines his importance to the group."
With an assist on Zimmerman's goal, MukhtarÃÂ put himself atop the league inÃÂ combinedÃÂ goals and assists, passing Sporting Kansas City'sÃÂ DánielÃÂ Sallói.ÃÂ MukhtarÃÂ has a goal and/or assist in each of the last six starts, including a pair of goals last weekend againstÃÂ NewÃÂ YorkÃÂ CityÃÂ FC.ÃÂ
Smith said Mukhtar showed his full range of abilities Saturday night in Montreal alongside a new midfield pairing behind him.ÃÂ
"Hany has the capability of not just getting on the ball, but controlling the pace of the game," Smith said. "And there were spells in that first period that the industry of [Matt]ÃÂ LaGrassa, and [Brian]ÃÂ AnungaÃÂ was complemented with Hany's technical ability. We're seeing an individual who's more and more confident."
After the goal in the 66' minute, Nashville SC's defense locked in to preserve the result andÃÂ goalkeeper Joe Willis'ÃÂ league-leading 10thÃÂ clean sheetÃÂ of the season.ÃÂ The Boys in Gold blocked or saved four Montréal shots after the Nashville goal, in addition to three missed shots by theÃÂ home side.ÃÂ
Smith praised his team's tenacity to see the result all the way through.ÃÂ
"When these guys are asked to roll their sleeves up and to really put their bodies on the line, I feel you start to see the true value of this group," Smith said. "There are other things that we've done well, but the core determination of this group came through tonight, and we needed that. There were some pressurized spells, and we saw some very, very good defending."
Nashville SC's road spell rolls on this Saturday night when the Boys in Gold travel back to Canada to take on Toronto FC. Catch the match at 6:30 p.m. CT on MyTV30 and NashvilleSC.com/stream.
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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.
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