Nashville's late winner ends Red Bulls' playoff run

Sam Surridge headed the winning goal in the first minute of stoppage time to complete a 3-2 comeback for Nashville.

The victory on a rainy Sunday in Nashville, Tenn., eliminated the New York Red Bulls from postseason contention. New York entered the match with a 11-16-6 record. The loss also clinched an Eastern Conference playoff berth for the Columbus Crew following their own defeat. Nashville finished the game with a 22-3-8 record.

Julian Hall, 18, gave New York a 1-0 lead in the 34th minute. The teenager scored his 13th goal of the season. His assist came from Adri Mehmeti, 17, and Sekou Kone, 19. Rafael Mosquera, who had subbed in one minute earlier, scored his first Major League Soccer goal six minutes after Hall's strike. That goal made the score 2-0. Devin Padelford and Cade Cowell set up Mosquera's effort.

Nashville reduced the deficit to 2-1 at halftime through an own goal by New York defender Tim Parker in the 45th minute. Julian Bazan, also a defender for New York, created the equalizer with an own goal in the 81st minute. Cristian Espinoza provided the assist for Surridge's final goal. That was Espinoza's 15th assist of the season and his 97th in 247 career appearances.

Nashville extended its unbeaten streak to nine matches. The team finished the season with a 15-0-2 home record. That marks the second time in club history that Nashville has gone unbeaten at home. The club's 44 points at home set a league record. Nashville also tied the Major League Soccer record of 74 points set by Inter Miami in 2024 with one match remaining.

Goalkeeper Brian Schwake made two saves for Nashville. Ethan Horvath stopped seven shots for New York. Nashville had previously beaten the Red Bulls 1-0 on the road on Aug. 19. The team has not lost at home since Atlanta United defeated them 1-0 on the final day of August last season.

New York hosts Atlanta United on Saturday to finish the regular season. Nashville travels to FC Cincinnati for its final match.