Surridge scores late as Nashville ends Red Bulls' playoff hopes with 3-2 victory; Crew clinch spot

Nashville Breaks Red Bulls’ Playoff Hopes With Late Drama as Columbus Secures Postseason Berth

Nashville walked off a rainy Sunday pitch with more than just a victory. Sam Surridge headed home the game-winner in the first minute of stoppage time, lifting Nashville past the New York Red Bulls 3-2 and erasing a two-goal deficit in front of a home crowd that watched their side finish the regular season unbeaten at 15-0-2.

DYLAN LAUBE 95-YARD HOUSE CALL ON THE KICKOFF!LVvsNYJ on FOX/FOX OneStream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/OrMDJO34MD

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The dramatic comeback ended New York’s postseason ambitions entirely. That elimination, paired with Toronto FC’s 3-1 loss to Atlanta United, handed the Columbus Crew an Eastern Conference playoff berth.

How the Red Bulls Built and Lost a Two-Goal Advantage

New York seized control early through teenage precision. In the 34th minute, Julian Hall broke the deadlock to net a 1-0 lead, finishing off a sequence sparked by 19-year-old Cade Cowell and 17-year-old rookie Adri Mehmeti, alongside 19-year-old Sekou Kone. The build-up came shortly after Nashville rookie goalkeeper Brian Schwake denied Cowell from the penalty spot in the 19th minute.

The Red Bulls doubled their cushion six minutes later. Rafael Mosquera, who had just subbed into the match a minute prior, latched onto a setup from Cowell and defender Devin Padelford to secure his first Major League Soccer goal in his first career start and 13th appearance.

Nashville responded before the interval. New York defender Tim Parker turned the ball into his own net in the 45th minute, cutting the deficit to 2-1 at halftime. The equalizer arrived in the 81st minute via another own goal, this time off defender Julian Bazan.

That set the stage for Surridge’s late heroics. Cristian Espinoza delivered a career-high 15th assist of the campaign, setting up Surridge for his 19th goal of the season to seal the 3-2 result.

Historic Home Form Equals Records Set in Prior Campaigns

The victory pushed Nashville’s record to 22-3-8 and extended their unbeaten streak to nine matches. Having already clinched the Supporters’ Shield, Nashville matched Inter Miami’s MLS record 74-point season originally set in 2024, with one regular-season match left on the schedule. Furthermore, the club’s 44 points secured at home establish a new league benchmark.

Schwake finished the afternoon with two saves for Nashville, while Ethan Horvath turned away seven shots for New York. Nashville previously defeated the Red Bulls 1-0 on the road back on August 19.

Both sides now look to the final fixture of the regular season. New York returns home to host Atlanta United on Saturday, while Nashville travels to face FC Cincinnati.