(NashvilleSC.com, 06.09.18)

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Nashville SC extended its record unbeaten streak to 10 games by earning a massive road point at Tampa Bay, as Lebo Moloto’s first half goal and spectacular play in net from Matt Pickens was enough to earn a 1-1 draw against the Rowdies.

90 in a nutshell

While much of the first half belonged to Tampa Bay possession-wise, it was Nashville who found the back of the net. In the 22nd minute, Ropapa Mensah found Moloto on a through ball, and the midfielder took advantage, beating the Rowdies keeper to open the scoring. From there it was the Matt Pickens show in net for Nashville. He made numerous saves late in the first half to keep SC in the lead.

The second half looked much like the first with Tampa continuing to pepper Pickens with shots. Eventually the Rowdies found an equalizer late in the game when USL debutant Leon Tayler cleaned up the garbage in front of the net. From there, Nashville SC hung on to secure a hard-earned road point and extend its unbeaten streak.

Quotables

Nashville SC head coach Gary Smith

“That’s the biggest point that we have earned all season. They put us under a ton of pressure. There was a lot of character shown by the lads considering how many games we have had recently, and I think that showed a bit in their legs.”

Key Stat

10 games unbeaten. Nashville SC is unbeaten in the last 10 games in all competitions dating back to April 14, 2018. The 10-game run is the current longest in the USL, MLS and Liga MX (Mexico).

Standings Update

Nashville’s point kept it static in the East in sixth place, but the club is in a four-way tie at 20 points for fourth place. However, with four consecutive home games now on tap, Nashville is primed to shoot up the standings with home wins.

Up Next

Nashville will finally get a full week off between games as it will take the field at First Tennessee Park on Saturday, June 16 against North Carolina FC at 7:30 p.m.