(NashvilleSC.com, 06.02.18)

NASHVILLE — On a picture-perfect night in the Music City, Nashville SC put on an unforgettable performance as they dismantled Penn FC 3-1 to stretch its unbeaten streak to eight games and keeps Nashville unbeaten at home.

It was the first three-goal game of the USL season for Nashville as Brandon Allen, Lebo Moloto and Alan Winn all scored in the victory.

90 in a nutshell

Nashville SC had the early possession advantage, but couldn’t find enough space to create Grade-A chances. That all changed in the 36th minute when both Nashville newcomers teamed up for a brilliant goal. Midfielder Ish Jome streaked down the wing and lofted a brilliant cross into the box for goal-scorer Brandon Allen to bury, giving Nashville the 1-0 edge. The goal was Allen’s third goal across all competitions for Nashville since joining the club less than two weeks ago.

The second half started with a bang for Nashville when Lebo Moloto received a feed from Allen and proceeded to fire a rocket off the crossbar and into the net, propelling SC to a two-goal lead. Penn FC would find paydirt off a set piece in the 76th minute to cut the Nashville lead to 2-1. It would be short-lived as forward Alan Winn capitalized on a defensive mistake in the 81st minute to score Nashville’s third of the match.

From there, Nashville coasted to the three points in front of a raucous home crowd as the club has now scored seven goals in three games at First Tennessee Park.

Quotables

Nashville SC head coach Gary Smith

“[Brandon Allen and Lebo Moloto] are intelligent soccer players. It’s a bit of a language in itself. They both move the ball and play in a fashion that speaks. They have a synergy that has come together quickly. For us, it can only be good.”

Key Stat

Three goals for Brandon Allen. Head coach Gary Smith and technical director Mike Jacobs made the move to bring Brandon Allen from Bethlehem to Nashville to provide the goal scoring touch the team seemed to lack early in the season. The move has paid major dividends as Allen has scored three goals in three starts for the club.

Standings Update

The win puts Nashville SC in sixth place in the USL Eastern Conference with 19 points. They are within three points of second place and have a game in hand on three of the five teams ahead of them in the standings.

Next Up

Nashville SC will have a quick turnaround as they take on the Colorado Rapids of MLS at Vanderbilt Stadium in the fourth round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Then, they will travel to Tampa Bay to take on the Rowdies on Saturday.