(NashvilleSC.com, 05.30.18)

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Nashville SC and head coach Gary Smith brought Brandon Allen in earlier this month to score goals. He notched the biggest one to date on Wednesday night as Nashville SC secured its biggest road win of the season at Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, 1-0. It was the first loss for the Riverhounds in 11 games this season, and Allen’s goal was the first home goal given up by Pittsburgh.

The win extends Nashville’s unbeaten run to seven games and also puts the USL newcomers at two for two in rematch opportunities this year. Let’s break the big win down.

90 in a nutshell

After a first half that featured the top two defenses in the USL flexing their muscles, the second half provided a much different story. Both teams looked rejuvenated coming out of the locker room, but it was Nashville who found the net.

A corner by Lebo Moloto found the head of Matt LaGrassa who sent it back across the box to Michael Reed. Reed himself sent it back through the box and found the foot of Brandon Allen, who pounced on the ball and scored a nice goal to win the game.

The rest of the game featured Nashville’s defense and Matt Pickens holding the fort to preserve the lead. Pittsburgh didn’t go away quietly as it pressured the Nashville net throughout the final 20 minutes. The defense held firm and locked down the three points.

Key Stat

33 goals. Brandon Allen has scored 33 times in three seasons in the USL.

Bonus Key Stat

W over Pittsburgh. The Riverhounds boasted the best defense in the USL coming into the match, hadn’t lost a game this season and hadn’t allowed a goal at home. Nashville scored and won.

Standings Update

The three points puts Nashville SC in eighth place in the East with a game in hand on five of the seven teams ahead of it. Now the team will begin a stretch of four of the next five games at home starting on Saturday, June 2 against Penn FC.

Next Up

It will be another quick turnaround for Nashville as it will play again Saturday at home against Penn. The teams met a month ago and drew 0-0 in Penn. Nashville has yet to lose at home, earning seven points in the three home matches.