(NashvilleSC.com, 07.25.18)

NASHVILLE — When Nashville SC needed a spark, Taylor Washington brought the fire.

The 24-year-old New York native scored his first professional goal in the 80th minute as Nashville snapped a two-match losing skid with a 1-0 victory over Atlanta United 2 at First Tennessee Park. Nashville held their own against a beefed-up ATL UTD 2 roster that featured plenty of MLS talent.

90 in a nutshell

The first half was a grudge match between the two sides with both teams gaining chances on either end. In his first USL start with the club, goalkeeper C.J. Cochran did a solid job for Nashville and cleared an early chance for Atlanta. As the half wore on, Nashville’s Lebo Moloto had some golden opportunities on goal but his first chance was into the arms of Atlanta’s keeper and the second was pushed wide. The half ended with zeroes on either side.

The first few minutes of the second half looked a lot like the first with Atlanta gaining a few early opportunities. Nashville nearly broke it open in the 70th minute but a Ropapa Mensah header rang off the far post. Washington subbed on in the 74th minute and immediately got to work. In the 80th minute, Ish Jome sent a low cross through the box from the right side. Brandon Allen let it go to Washington, who buried it into the empty goal frame. It was his first-ever professional goal. From there, Nashville locked it down and held on for the win.

Quotables

Nashville SC head coach Gary Smith

“The key was always going to be how do we find a breakthrough. A couple of chances, I think Ropapa hit the post, I couldn’t quite see, I didn’t know whether the goalkeeper got a hand on it or not, and clear-cut chances were always going to be at a premium. In the end, of course, absolutely delighted that Taylor can seal the deal. But I genuinely felt we were the better side. We created the better chances and I’m very, very pleased in the conduct of the group again.”

Key Stat

One shot on target. Nashville was able to keep ATL UTD 2 to the perimeter for most of the match despite a few set piece chances. Cochran stood up to the one shot he faced to earn his first clean sheet for Nashville SC.

Standings Update

With the win, Nashville SC now has 30 points and moves up to sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings. The result of Indy Eleven’s matchup on Thursday could shake up the standings again prior to Nashville’s next match.

Up Next

Nashville will have yet another quick turnaround as the club travels to Rochester to take on Toronto FC II on Saturday night at 5 p.m.