Nashville SC leaves lasting mark on MLS with record-setting match | OneFootball

Nashville SC mounted a true show at GEODIS Park, defeating Chicago Fire FC 7-2 before a crowd witnessing history. The Boys in Gold secured their fifth victory in their last eight games and recorded the club's largest margin of victory in Major League Soccer history.

Begging an extension of a relentless attack by Sam Surridge, Hany Mukhtar, Andy Najar, and Jeisson Palacios, Nashville shattered all-time records and cemented their strength this year. The club scored the most goals by any MLS side in a single match since July 2022 and became the first side to have scored seven goals in a game for this year.

Forward Sam Surridge (9) celebrates a goal from a penalty kick in the first half against Chicago Fire | Casey Gower-Imagn Images

Sam Surridge achieves record-breaking milestones

Sam Surridge, the English 26-year-old forward, had been a subject of discussion in recent weeks, having netted only twice in nine matches. But in Round 10, he had his moment and sparkled brighter than ever. Surridge netted four goals, the first player in Nashville SC history to score four in a match, and the 19th player in MLS history overall.

He also netted two penalty kicks, joining an exclusive group at the club — only Hany Mukhtar had previously scored two penalties in a match before him, in May 2023, against Chicago Fire.

Surridge recounted the moment and did not shirk the pressure: "It's very special," he said. "I haven't been taking my chances of late. As a number 9, in particular, it's vital for me to get those goals."

Hany Mukhtar was also responsible for the historical rout. Scoring two and assisting once, he and Surridge are currently the only double match players at club level to have scored a minimum of three times in separate matches.

Nashville SC and more records

Nashville SC wasted no time in showing their firepower. They became just the fifth team in MLS history to score five goals in the first half of a match, an achievement that highlighted their sheer dominance from kick-off.

Nashville SC midfielder Gastón Brugman (7) kicks the ball in the second half against Chicago Fire | Casey Gower-Imagn Images

The seven goals scored set a new single-game franchise record for Nashville SC. Their consistent play also tied them with the Vancouver Whitecaps for the league lead in defender goals this season, with five.

Strong home campaign bolsters Nashville SC

The home strength in GEODIS Park has really been a plus for Nashville SC. With a home record of four wins, one draw, and one loss, and a ten-goal positive differential, the team has built their home fortress. Home league play has seen the club extend their home unbeaten run in MLS action to four victories and one draw in five games, as they did so against Chicago Fire FC.

In the series head-to-head against Chicago Fire FC, Nashville still dominates: five wins, two draws, and only a single loss during regular season and playoff matches, with a 15-goal margin.

BJ Callaghan praises response after tough week

After a 3-0 loss to Seattle Sounders, the world was looking to see Nashville respond, and respond it did. Head coach BJ Callaghan referenced the importance of the display: "I think we need to look back to look forward," Callaghan said of the game. "We had a game in Seattle where we looked back and it wasn't us. Credit to the group."

He also had words on Sam Surridge's performance: "Every week, Sam puts in the effort," Callaghan said. "Maybe the goals hadn't been coming, but he's done everything for us in every match. He was rewarded today, but if you keep putting yourself in good positions, you'll be rewarded." The coach's confidence in the team's work and in Surridge's progress was clear.