Minnesota United came into Nashville on a high note after a huge win the previous week in Cincinnati. But they left the Music City in the opposite mood after falling 3–1 to Nashville SC. Two first half goals and a quick third goal to open the second half doomed the Loons and continued Nashville streak of dominance this year.
Cameron Knowles appears to have found his preferred starting eleven already as he made just one change to the eleven from last weekend against Cincy. That resulted in Morris Duggan moving into Boxy's role while Devin Padelford came into Duggan's centre-back spot. James was not on the bench for the match, following having been listed as questionable ahead of the match.
Match 🧵 | #NSHvMIN Coyotes vs Loons tonight folks, time do determine who the meaner animal is oh and play footy! Padelford in at LCB, Duggan moves to centre-back with Boxy out. No other changes to the Loons Starting XI. James is out and Stroud is on the bench after being listed questionable
— Northland Soccer Journal (@northlandsoccer.com) 2026-03-08T00:48:59.680Z
From the get go MNUFC was on the back foot from the word go with Nashville hammering the Loons worse than Cincinnati did. Nashville nearly scored in the eighteenth minute, only to have it pulled back for offside. But less than 10 minutes later Nashville did get their first on the board following a Hany Mukhtar cross to Patrick Yazbek who sent a tough shot on target that Sam Surridge got a final touch on to secure a goal.
G O R G E O U S 😮💨😍
— Nashville SC {bot} (@nashvillescbot.bsky.social) 2026-03-08T02:11:00.000Z
Seven minutes later Nashville doubled the lead to two-nill following Cristian Espinoza's goal.
Thanksfully for Minnesota it did not stay a two goal deficit long Nectarios Triantis smashed a banger into goal putting the match to a 2–1 scoreline.
Goal of the Year (again)
— Minnesota United FC (@mnufc.com) 2026-03-08T02:47:41.356480Z
Nashville nearly pulled off a goal towards the end of the half, really trying to show they still ran the match following the Loons goal. After a long seven minutes of stoppage the first half came to a close with MNUFC down by just one goal.
Unfortunately for Minnesota the 'Yotes came out of the dressing room with a bang. Two minutes into the second forty-five Sam Surridge slotted him a second goal, bagging himself a brace.
Y🅰️🅰️z with another SUPERB assist
— Nashville SC {bot} (@nashvillescbot.bsky.social) 2026-03-08T03:01:31.000Z
Following the third goal, Minnesota rebounded fairly well, drawing fouls, getting set pieces, and preventing Nashville runs. But the set pieces just weren't hitting for MNUFC with Nashville's set piece defence showing their preparation. Kyle Duncan was brought on in the 75th minute giving him his Loons debut.
Minnesota United will aim to bounce back next week when they travel to Vancouver, BC for a showdown with the Whitecaps. Vancouver will be coming off their match against Portland Timbers, being played tonight.
