Carnival in Nashville: Seven Goals Light Up the Night

By Adam Luna

A ruthless, high-octane Nashville SC dismantled a struggling Chicago Fire FC side in an unforgettable 7–2 victory, dominating from start to finish in front of their jubilant home fans.

First Half

The match opened with both sides looking energetic, but it was Nashville who showed their intent immediately. In just the 2nd minute, Sam Surridge tested Chris Brady with a right-footed shot from the center of the box, forcing a smart save.

Chicago tried to respond quickly; Hugo Cuypers had a good chance in the 5th minute, but Joe Willis stood tall to deny him.

Nashville’s early pressure paid off in the 14th minute when Sam Surridge converted a penalty coolly down the center after Jacob Shaffelburg was fouled inside the area. (1–0)

Sensing Chicago’s vulnerability, Nashville pushed further. Just eight minutes later, Jeisson Palacios powered a header into the top right corner from a pinpoint Hany Mukhtar corner, doubling their lead. (2–0)

Nashville were relentless — in the 25th minute, Hany Mukhtar scored his first of the night, clinically slotting a left-footed shot into the lower right central zone after being left completely unmarked. (3–0)

Chicago looked rattled and could barely string passes together. Nashville continued their assault, and in the 31st minute, Mukhtar bagged his brace, finishing calmly with his right foot after Andy Najar’s assist. (4–0)

The first half got even worse for Chicago. After an extremely clumsy challenge deep into stoppage time, Sam Surridge was awarded another penalty — and made no mistake, slamming it home for his second of the night. (5–0)

Chicago Fire’s frustrations were visible, with yellow cards flying: Chris Brady (unsporting behavior) and Dje D’Avilla (reckless foul) both cautioned in a disastrous first 45 minutes.

Halftime: Nashville SC 5, Chicago Fire FC 0.

Second Half

Chicago, desperate for a response, made several changes at halftime, bringing on Tom Barlow and Maren Haile-Selassie. However, it changed little.

Nashville quickly added to their lead. In the 50th minute, Sam Surridge completed his hat-trick, scoring with a composed left-footed shot to the bottom right corner following another incisive pass from Andy Najar. (6–0)

Just seven minutes later, Surridge turned provider. After another brilliant move, he assisted himself to his fourth goal of the night, smashing a right-footed shot to the left of Chris Brady. (7–0)

With the match clearly out of reach, Nashville made several substitutions to rest their starters: Applewhite, Qasem, Pérez, and Bunbury all entered the fray.

Chicago finally pulled a goal back in the 64th minute through Philip Zinckernagel, who unleashed a stunning right-footed strike from outside the box into the top corner. (7–1)

Despite the heavy scoreline, Nashville continued attacking. Patrick Yazbek, Jacob Shaffelburg, and Gastón Brugman all had decent chances to extend the lead, but were either off target or denied by Brady.

Chicago grabbed another consolation goal in the 71st minute. After a corner from Zinckernagel and a knockdown by Jack Elliott, Hugo Cuypers headed home from close range. (7–2)

The last 20 minutes saw the tempo slow considerably, with Chicago focusing on damage control and Nashville content to circulate possession, though Teal Bunbury came close on two occasions, including a powerful header that was blocked bravely by Tom Barlow.

A final foul in stoppage time saw Jonathan Dean win a free kick after a foul by Jonathan Pérez, but it mattered little.

The referee soon blew the final whistle on a wildly one-sided affair.

Full Time: Nashville SC 7–2 Chicago Fire FC

Key Players:

Sam Surridge (Nashville SC) — 4 goals, relentless movement, lethal finishing.
Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC) — 2 goals, 2 assists, constant creative spark.
Andy Najar (Nashville SC) — 2 assists, crucial link play down the right side.
Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire FC) — Goal and an assist; the lone bright spot for Chicago.