Story by
Nashville SC beats Portland Timbers 2-0 for first win of MLS season
- Story by
- Nashville SC beats Portland Timbers 2-0 for first win of MLS season
Confusion. Torment. Despair. Andy Najar erased it all with one swing of his right leg.
With the last kick of a first half in which Nashville SC had dominated to no avail, Najar ripped a shot past Portland Timbers goalkeeper James Pantemis , getting Nashville on the board for the game and the 2025 season.
Advertisement
Ahmed Qasem added a second-half goal in his first MLS start and Nashville (1-1-1, four points) defeated the Timbers 2-0 on Saturday at Geodis Park, breaking through for its first win of 2025. Najar and Qasem's goals came after an opening 45 minutes marred by missed opportunities, chief among them a pair of penalty kicks saved by Pantemis.
"Everybody out on that field tonight responded in a really positive way," Nashville coach B.J. Callaghan said. "To double down, to be more aggressive and to not be denied."
Portland (1-2-0, three points) never put up much resistance for Nashville, which took 23 shots (10 on goal) to the Timbers' nine (four on goal) and had 55% possession. While the outcome remained in doubt deep into the second half, Nashville displayed plenty of evidence that the installation of Callaghan's system is proceeding as planned .
Nashville's next game is March 16 at the Philadelphia Union .
Advertisement
Nashville's offensive dominance
Nashville looked like the better team for all 90 minutes and finished with its most shots on target against an MLS opponent since Oct. 14, 2023, against the New England Revolution .
Portland center backs Zac McGraw and Finn Surman were put under pressure all night as Nashville launched long balls over their heads. Najar had several, including a deep pass to Sam Surridge just five minutes into the game that led to a penalty.
"Credit to the guys, especially the front four, for relentlessly running back there," Callaghan said. "We had some guys being able to look up and play to them."
Advertisement
Missed chances, including two penalties
Nashville couldn't convert the penalty drawn by Surridge, as Pantemis dove to stop Hany Mukhtar 's attempt to the right corner. Qasem drew a foul in the penalty box a little more than 10 minutes later, and Surridge stepped up this time, only to have his spot kick denied by Pantemis, too.
In the first half, Alex Muyl had a shot from outside the box whistle inches wide and failed to get a shot off with numbers in transition. Qasem hit the crossbar just minutes before he scored his goal, a header off a Daniel Lovitz assist.
"Drawing the penalties was the result of good attacking play," Callaghan said. "We're executing the way we want to do it. As we continue to do it, it will come. As a group, we don't get hung up on the adversity that hits us."
Advertisement
MORE: Why Nashville SC top prospect Chris Applewhite represents bright future for MLS team
MORE: Can BJ Callaghan build a Nashville SC team that fits its 'young, dynamic' city?
Gaston Brugman makes season debut
Several rotation players remained out with injuries: Jacob Shaffelburg , Bryan Acosta and Julian Gaines among them. But things are looking up for Nashville's midfield, which received a big reinforcement in the form of last season's MLS Cup MVP.
Gaston Brugman , who came over in a trade with the LA Galaxy in December, made his Nashville debut as a second-half substitute. Though Brugman played less than 20 minutes, Callaghan thought his "calming presence" and passing acumen were on display. Last season, Brugman was 10th among qualified MLS midfielders in passing completion percentage.
Advertisement
"He can play balls in behind or he can break lines on the ground or in the pocket," Callaghan said. " . . . He did a great job defensively, closing down, even just little interceptions or deflecting passes, little plays that add up to a big result."
Jacob Shames can be reached by email at jshames@gannett.com and on Twitter @Jacob_Shames.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville SC beats Portland Timbers for first win of 2025 MLS season
