
Walker Zimmerman Scores Nashville SC's First MLS Goal in Defeat against Atlanta United
February 29, 2020 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Nashville SC News Release
NASHVILLE - In front of a record-breaking crowd of 59,069 at Nissan Stadium, Nashville SC made its debut in Major League Soccer, dropping a hard-fought contest 2-1 to Atlanta United.
Atlanta got on the board first with a lightning-quick counterattack and a goal from Ezequiel Barco in the 9' minute. Nashville responded with a goal off of a set piece by defender Walker Zimmerman in the 29' minute to even things up. Atlanta grabbed one more goal after a set piece sequence saw Emerson Hyndman rocket a ball into the back of the net to take the lead in the 38'.
Nashville put the pressure on in the second half, pressing forward and looking for scoring opportunities. In the opening minutes of the half, Dominique Badji laid a phenomenal cross into the middle, and David Accam narrowly missed the tying goal. Randall Leal hit the near post on a strong individual effort in the 78'. The Boys in Gold put the pressure high late in the half, but could not find an equalizer.
Goals
9' ATL - Ezequiel Barco
29' NSH - Walker Zimmerman (assisted by Hany Mukhtar)
38' ATL - Emerson Hyndman
Key Stat
13 Shots - Nashville SC peppered the Atlanta attacking third, particularly in the second half. The Boys in Gold had plenty of chances late in the match, but an equalizer was not in the cards.
Up Next
Nashville SC travels to Portland to take on the Timbers next Sunday night on ESPN. The next home match is on Saturday, March 21 against Columbus Crew SC.
Major League Soccer Stories from February 29, 2020
- Walker Zimmerman Scores Nashville SC's First MLS Goal in Defeat against Atlanta United - Nashville SC
- Glesnes debuts for Union; Homegrowns feature in season opener - Philadelphia Union
- FC Dallas Shuts out Philadelphia Union, 2-0, in Its 25th Season Opener - FC Dallas
- Toronto FC (2) - San Jose Earthquakes (2) Post Match Summary - Toronto FC
- Stoppage-time free kick by Oswaldo AlanÃÆÃÂs sees Quakes secure a point in Home Opener - San Jose Earthquakes
- Orlando City Battles to Scoreless Draw in Season Opener - Orlando City SC
- Real Salt Lake Opens 2020 Season with Scoreless Draw against Orlando City SC - Real Salt Lake
- Match Report - Montreal Impact 2-1 New England Revolution - Club de Foot Montreal
- LA Galaxy Postgame Notes: LA Galaxy 1, Houston Dynamo 1 - LA Galaxy
- Dynamo Open 15th Season with 1-1 Draw against LA Galaxy - Houston Dynamo FC
- Rapids Show Perseverance and Promise in Dramatic Opener vs D.C. - Colorado Rapids
- Game Notes: Sounders FC vs. Chicago Fire FC - March 1, 2020 - Seattle Sounders FC
- Revolution Open 2020 MLS Season with 2-1 Loss at Montreal Impact - New England Revolution
- D.C. United Fall to Colorado Rapids 2-1 in Season Opener - D.C. United
- LAFC Kicks off Third MLS Campaign against Inter Miami CF on Sunday Afternoon - Los Angeles FC
- Late Lewis Winner Lifts Rapids in Opener - Colorado Rapids
- Timbers Announce 2020 Roster Ahead of Home Opener against Minnesota United FC - Portland Timbers
- Atlanta United Signs Laurence Wyke to Short-Term Agreement - Atlanta United FC
- All Chicago Fire FC Regular Season Matches in 2020 to be Aired in Spanish on Univision Radio - Chicago Fire FC
- FC Dallas Announces Roster for 2020 Season - FC Dallas
- Connor Lade Named New York Red Bulls Senior Manager of Alumni & Player Relations - New York Red Bulls
- Colorado Rapids Make Roster Notes - Colorado Rapids
- D.C. United Acquire Estonian National Team Forward Erik Sorga - D.C. United
- New York Red Bulls Waive Rece Buckmaster - New York Red Bulls
- Minnesota United FC vs. Portland Timbers - Minnesota United FC
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
- Nashville SC Falls, 3-1, at St. Louis CITY SC
- Nashville SC Update: August 11 - 17, 2025
- Nashville SC Loans Midfielder Matthew Corcoran to Rhode Island FC of the USL Championship
- Nashville SC Update
- Nashville SC Battles Back from Two Goals Down for 2-2 Draw with English Premier League's Aston Villa FC

