Nashville SC Dominates MLS Regular Season with Record-Breaking Performance
By James Nalton
The latest fixtures this weekend, known as Decision Day, finalized playoff positions in the Western Conference while highlighting a standout team from the East as a favorite heading into the playoffs.
Nashville the best ever?
Nashville SC clinched the MLS Supporters’ Shield title and set a new regular season record with a 2-0 victory over FC Cincinnati, fueled by a stellar performance from Sam Surridge.
With 77 points, Nashville surpassed the previous record of 74 points, held by Inter Miami in 2024. This weekend showcased Surridge’s standout abilities amongst a roster filled with talent.
As reported throughout the season, Nashville has built a robust squad that thrives on teamwork rather than individual brilliance.
When Surridge is off the scoresheet, Hany Mukhtar steps up, and if both are quiet, Cristian Espinoza often rises to the occasion. Additionally, the team boasts one of the greatest defensive units in MLS history, featuring center-backs Maxwell Woledzi and Jeisson Palacios along with goalkeeper Brian Schwake.
With only 25 goals conceded, Nashville recorded the fewest goals allowed throughout a 34-game MLS season. Schwake holds the third-highest FotMob rating on the team, alongside Surridge and Espinoza, with most of the starting lineup boasting an average rating above seven.
Andy Nájar also deserves recognition as one of the top right-backs in the league this season. As the MLS 2026 best XI vote approaches, Nashville players are positioned to dominate, particularly defensively, illustrating their collective effort rather than reliance on individual performers.
Highlights of Nashville’s record-breaking season include:
- Setting the MLS record for regular season wins with 23.
- Achieving a new MLS record for regular season points with 77.
- Establishing the largest Supporters’ Shield points margin at 13.
- Setting a new record for points per game at 2.26.
- Reaching the highest win percentage in MLS at 79.4%.
- Setting the record for the fewest losses in a regular season with just three.
- Tying for the most clean sheets in a single season with 17.
- Establishing the record for the fewest goals conceded in a single regular season at 25.
Decision Day in the Western playoff rush
In contrast to the East, where playoff teams were determined a week early, several teams in the Western Conference fought for postseason positions on Decision Day. LA Galaxy, Portland Timbers, and Colorado Rapids faced uncertainty leading into the last round, while Seattle Sounders, Real Salt Lake, and Minnesota United aimed for late playoff spots.
The crucial match between LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake proved decisive, as Real Salt Lake secured a 2-1 victory to advance. LA Galaxy struggled to generate offense, with their only goal coming from an own goal, marking a disappointing conclusion to their season.
Seattle’s win against LAFC allowed them to overtake Colorado in the wildcard standings after the Rapids suffered a 3-1 loss to FC Dallas. Meanwhile, Portland achieved a victory in Austin, securing their playoff berth.
Minnesota United triumphed over San Diego with a 3-1 score, but results elsewhere meant they narrowly missed the playoffs.
Messi leads the way again
Lionel Messi had an unusual outing without a goal or an assist in Inter Miami’s spirited clash against Charlotte, yet he ended the season as the Golden Boot winner and tied for the most assists.
The Argentine superstar reaffirmed his status as the league’s preeminent player despite Inter Miami’s struggles to challenge Nashville for the top spot. The team often displayed vulnerability, shown during a recent 3-3 draw against Charlotte after leading 3-0 at halftime.
Although Inter Miami is not a one-man team, they do boast strong attacking options alongside Messi. Luis Suárez contributed significantly with 17 goals this season, while Rodrigo De Paul has also emerged as a key player in midfield.
Ultimately, this season has overwhelmingly been defined by Messi’s remarkable performance amid the team’s difficulties.
Philadelphia Union
The World Cup break created a split in the 2026 MLS season, revealing a compelling narrative centered around the Philadelphia Union’s resurgence after a challenging start.
If the season were divided into two stages, the Union would have ranked second in the East following the World Cup, demonstrating an impressive points-per-game ratio. Their transformation is evident, especially considering their position at the bottom of the East when the league paused for the World Cup.
Securing a playoff spot seemed impossible at that point, yet they overcame the odds to finish strong, avoiding the wildcard round altogether. Their sixth-place finish highlights the exceptional job done by head coach Ryan Richter since his appointment in the summer.
Young talent Cavan Sullivan gained recognition for his standout performances, complemented by contributions from teammates like Neil Pierre and the returning Kai Wagner. The Union has emerged as a formidable contender in the playoffs, representing a remarkable turnaround from their early-season struggles.
Last year’s Supporters’ Shield winners are now poised for the MLS Cup, where anything is possible in a knockout format.
(Cover Image from IMAGO)
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