Nashville SC Clinches 2026 MLS Cup Playoff Berth With 3-0 Win Over Chicago

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Nashville SC became the first MLS club to clinch a spot in the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs with a 3-0 win over Chicago Fire FC on Saturday night at GEODIS Park.
The victory improved Nashville to 17-3-6 and kept the club atop both the Eastern Conference and MLS standings.
Sam Surridge opened the scoring in the 33rd minute off assists from Reed Baker-Whiting and Matthew Corcoran. The goal was Surridge’s team-leading 16th of the MLS season and his eighth in six career appearances against Chicago.
Nashville carried the 1-0 lead into the second half before Cristian Espinoza added insurance in the 78th minute. Andy Najar and Patrick Yazbek assisted on the goal, Espinoza’s fourth of the season.
Espinoza then helped create Nashville’s third goal in the 87th minute, setting up Hany Mukhtar along with Eddi Tagseth. Mukhtar’s goal was his 11th of the MLS season and his 10th in nine career appearances against Chicago.
The match marked the first time this season that all three of Nashville’s Designated Players scored in the same game. Surridge, Mukhtar and Espinoza have combined for 37 goals and 22 assists across MLS, Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup competition in 2026.
Espinoza also recorded his 12th MLS assist of the season on Mukhtar’s goal. He became the second player in league history to record at least 12 assists in five consecutive regular seasons and was named Man of the Match.
The victory added to a record-setting season for Nashville. The club set new marks with its 17th regular-season win and 57th point of the year. Nashville also established single-season home records with its 12th victory and 39th goal at GEODIS Park.
Nashville remains unbeaten at home in MLS play this season at 12-0-1. The club has also earned a result in 18 of its last 20 league matches and has avoided defeat in 30 of 37 matches across all competitions.
Goalkeeper Brian Schwake made one save and recorded his 12th MLS shutout of the season. Nashville has posted 17 clean sheets across all competitions this year.
Baker-Whiting recorded his fourth league assist of the season, while Corcoran picked up a career-high third assist. Najar added his eighth assist of the year, giving him 50 regular-season goal contributions in his MLS career. Yazbek matched his career high with his fourth assist, and Tagseth recorded his second.
Nashville will remain home for its next match against Toronto FC on Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m. CT before an extended break during the FIFA international window. The club returns to action Oct. 10 at Austin FC.