Ropapa Mensah walks off North Carolina FC
(NashvilleSC.com, 06.16.18)
NASHVILLE — The Golden Boy outdid himself. Ropapa Mensah provided the most dramatic moment in club history, scoring a walk-off goal on the final kick of the game to send over 9,000 Nashville SC faithful into a frenzy and the team to another three points at home.
The incredible last minute victory extended Nashville’s perfect run at First Tennessee Park and its unbeaten streak in all competitions to 11 games.
90 in a nutshell
The opening half featured numerous chances for both sides with each coming close to scoring the first of the game. The teams combined for 17 first half shots, 10 for Nashville, as both keepers withstood a barrage.
Looking to stay perfect at home, Nashville dominated the second half, controlling the ball over 71% of the time and putting 11 more shots on net. Many chances went just wide or were tipped by North Carolina keeper Alex Tambakis.
The moment of glory came at the death, on the final kick of the game, as substitute Ropapa Mensah took a ball off the head of Bradley Bourgeois into the back of the net to win the game. It was Mensah’s fourth goal in USL play and fifth overall this season to lead the team.
Quotables
Nashville SC forward Ropapa Mensah
“I have scored a lot of goals, but this is the best goal of my life. Stepping up for my team feels so good.”
Stat of the Day
Two goals in stoppage time at First Tennessee Park. Mensah has had a flair for the dramatic at First Tennessee, scoring twice after the 90th minute in front of the home fans. He also scored the club’s first-ever goal in the preseason opening friendly against Atlanta United, also at First Tennessee Park.
Watching the East
With three more points, Nashville has moved up to fourth place in the East with 23 points, one point back from second place, Louisville City FC and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Nashville is four points clear of the playoff line between eighth and ninth place.
Up Next
Nashville will play in the midweek with a fifth round U.S. Open Cup tie at Louisville. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.
SCORING SUMMARY
NSC — Ropapa Mensah (Bradley Bourgeois) 90+4′
DISCIPLINE SUMMARY
NSC — Yellow Card — Brandon Allen (16′)
NC — Yellow Card — Austin da Luz (37′)
NC — Yellow Card — Steven Miller (90+4′)
NASHVILLE LINEUP
Matt Pickens
Kosuke Kimura
Justin Davis
Bradley Bourgeois
Liam Doyle
Bolu Akinyode
Matt LaGrassa (Alan Winn 79′)
Lebo Moloto
Michael Reed
Ismaila Jome
Brandon Allen (Ropapa Mensah 68′)
NORTH CAROLINA LINEUP
Alex Tambakis
D.J. Taylor
Aarón Guillén
Connor Tobin
Michael Harrington
Graham Smith
Steven Miller
Marcel Kandziora
Austin da Luz (Tiyi Shipalane 72′)
Marios Lomis (Ulrich Ewolo 87′)
Daniel Rios (Kyle Bekker 72′)