(NashvilleSC.com, 11.29.20)

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Seventh-seed Nashville SC lost 2-0 to third-seed Columbus Crew SC in extra time on Sunday night at MAPFRE Stadium. Nashville kept the game scoreless for 100 minutes, but Crew SC found the breakthrough through Pedro Santos.

The Boys in Acoustic Blue beat Atlanta United FC’s record for keeping a clean sheet in the franchise’s first 254 minutes of Audi MLS Cup Playoff action, extending the record to 308 minutes.

In its first year in Major League Soccer, Nashville defied expectations and fielded the third-best defense in the league in goals allowed, which led center back Walker Zimmerman to win MLS Defender of the Year.

Nashville is the first expansion side to make the Conference Semifinals since Chicago Fire FC in 1998.

Big Presence Between the Posts

Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis, who led the league with nine clean sheets in the regular season and added two more in the playoffs, excelled in the game and throughout 2020. Willis made three saves on the night and batted away a handful of crosses. His most important save happened in the 79th minute when Gyasi Zardes tried to redirect a cross in at the near post, but the goalkeeper reacted in time to keep it out.

Staying Solid at the Back

The Nashville backline held firm for most of the match. Walker Zimmerman made seven ball recoveries, seven clearances, one block, and one interception, and he dribbled upfield with the ball on multiple occasions. In the 74th minute, he carried the ball up, laid it off for winger Randall Leal to cross, and ran into the box for a header which Columbus goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell saved. Center back Dave Romney made seven clearances, six ball recoveries and two blocks. Left-back Dan Lovitz played a key role on both ends, contributing a team-high four key passes with 10 recoveries, five clearances and three tackles. Right-back Alistair Johnston was also active: he had seven ball recoveries, three interceptions, two tackles, two clearances and a block.

Midfield Might

Central midfielders Dax McCarty and Tah Brian Anunga worked hard to keep the game under control. McCarty made one key pass, seven ball recoveries and three tackles. Anunga played 73 minutes and made 10 recoveries, three dribbles and one key pass. That work in the midfield helped Nashville earn the edge in shots 17-16 and remain even with Columbus in shots on target 4-4. They also helped keep Columbus’ attack at bay, as five of Columbus’ 16 shots were blocked.