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Parrott, Koopmeiners shine as AZ Alkmaar wins KNVB Cup after 13 years AZ Alkmaar delivered a dominant performance to win the Dutch ​Cup final on Sunday, hammering NEC ‌Nijmegen 5-1 at the Feyenoord Stadium ​in Rotterdam.AZ took a deserved ⁠lead after 32 minutes as left back Mees de Wit netted from close range ‌after a mazy run to the byline from left wing ‌Ro-Zangelo Daal.It added two more after ‌the ⁠break from Sven Mijnans in ⁠the 67th minute and Peer Koopmeiners six minutes after that.NEC pulled one back in the ​78th minute through ‌Japanese striker Koki Ogawa.Mijnans had the ball in the net again five minutes from time but it was ‌ruled out for offside in ​the build-up, but at the start of stoppage time, newly-⁠capped Dutch international Kees Smit chipped NEC goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen to make it ‌4-1.There was still time for one more from Ireland international Troy Parrott five minutes into stoppage time, with his close-range shot taking a wicked deflection.It was AZ’s fifth Dutch Cup ‌final victory but first in 13 years, ​while NEC has now lost all six finals it has appeared ⁠in.Cup success means AZ qualifies for ⁠the league phase of next season’s Europa League. It was eliminated ‌last Thursday in the Conference League quarterfinal by Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk.Published on Apr 20, 2026 #Parrott #Koopmeiners #shine #Alkmaar #wins #KNVB #Cup #years

Parrott, Koopmeiners shine as AZ Alkmaar wins KNVB Cup after 13 years

AZ Alkmaar delivered a dominant performance to win the Dutch ​Cup final on Sunday, hammering NEC ‌Nijmegen 5-1 at the Feyenoord Stadium ​in Rotterdam.

AZ took a deserved ⁠lead after 32 minutes as left back Mees de Wit netted from close range ‌after a mazy run to the byline from left wing ‌Ro-Zangelo Daal.

It added two more after ‌the ⁠break from Sven Mijnans in ⁠the 67th minute and Peer Koopmeiners six minutes after that.

NEC pulled one back in the ​78th minute through ‌Japanese striker Koki Ogawa.

Mijnans had the ball in the net again five minutes from time but it was ‌ruled out for offside in ​the build-up, but at the start of stoppage time, newly-⁠capped Dutch international Kees Smit chipped NEC goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen to make it ‌4-1.

There was still time for one more from Ireland international Troy Parrott five minutes into stoppage time, with his close-range shot taking a wicked deflection.

It was AZ’s fifth Dutch Cup ‌final victory but first in 13 years, ​while NEC has now lost all six finals it has appeared ⁠in.

Cup success means AZ qualifies for ⁠the league phase of next season’s Europa League. It was eliminated ‌last Thursday in the Conference League quarterfinal by Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk.

Published on Apr 20, 2026

#Parrott #Koopmeiners #shine #Alkmaar #wins #KNVB #Cup #years

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AZ Alkmaar delivered a dominant performance to win the Dutch ​Cup final on Sunday, hammering NEC ‌Nijmegen 5-1 at the Feyenoord Stadium ​in Rotterdam.

AZ took a deserved ⁠lead after 32 minutes as left back Mees de Wit netted from close range ‌after a mazy run to the byline from left wing ‌Ro-Zangelo Daal.

It added two more after ‌the ⁠break from Sven Mijnans in ⁠the 67th minute and Peer Koopmeiners six minutes after that.

NEC pulled one back in the ​78th minute through ‌Japanese striker Koki Ogawa.

Mijnans had the ball in the net again five minutes from time but it was ‌ruled out for offside in ​the build-up, but at the start of stoppage time, newly-⁠capped Dutch international Kees Smit chipped NEC goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen to make it ‌4-1.

There was still time for one more from Ireland international Troy Parrott five minutes into stoppage time, with his close-range shot taking a wicked deflection.

It was AZ’s fifth Dutch Cup ‌final victory but first in 13 years, ​while NEC has now lost all six finals it has appeared ⁠in.

Cup success means AZ qualifies for ⁠the league phase of next season’s Europa League. It was eliminated ‌last Thursday in the Conference League quarterfinal by Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk.

Published on Apr 20, 2026

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Deadspin | Charlotte FC score late, edge New York City FC <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28763074.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28763074.jpg" alt="MLS: Charlotte FC at New York City FC" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 18, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York City FC midfielder Maximiliano Moralez (10) fights for the ball against Charlotte FC midfielder Ashley Westwood (8) during the first half at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Idan Toklomati and Kerwin Vargas scored second-half goals as Charlotte FC slipped past New York City FC 2-1 on Saturday night for their first road win in three tries this season.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Kristijan Kahlina had seven saves for Charlotte (4-2-2, 14 points), which avenged a three-match series loss to NYCFC in the opening round of the MLS playoffs last fall.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Charlotte FC, which has lost just once in their last six league matches, is tied for third place in the Eastern Conference.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Nicolas Fernandez scored in the third minute of stoppage time in the second half for slumping New York City (3-3-2, 11 points) which has not won in its last four games against MLS competition.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Matthew Freese had two saves for NYCFC, which has surrendered eight goals during their four-game skid.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>After a scoreless first half, Charlotte struck in the 54th minute as Wilfried Zaha maneuvered through traffic in the middle of the field and created a window to send a pass downfield.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-7"> <p>Harry Toffolo passed forward to an open Toklomati, who tapped a right-footed shot past the onrushing Freese.</p> </section> <section id="section-8"> <p>It was the third goal this season for Toklomati and the third assist for Toffolo as Charlotte scored for just the second time this season in a road match after playing six straight games at home in all competitions.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Zaha was the missing piece for Charlotte on April 11 in a 2-1 loss to first-place Nashville SC as he was serving a red-card suspension.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>The second goal for Charlotte came in the 90th minute as Pep Biel crossed to Vargas, who fired a left-footed shot inside the left post for his second goal this season.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>New York City answered in stoppage time as Fernandez took a feed across the box from Hannes Wolf and scored with a left-footed blast from just outside the box to the top right corner.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>NYCFC dominated the scoreless first half with its pressing defense and the creative, well-timed attacks of Maxi Moralez and Agustin Ojeada. While New York City fired 10 shots in the period, Charlotte took just one.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>For the match, NYCFC outshot Charlotte 23-8, which gave 19-year-old forward Rodolfo Akolo his first MLS start.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-14"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Charlotte #score #late #edge #York #City

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Deadspin | NBA roundup: Magic lead from start, down top-seeded Pistons in opener Apr 19, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) dribbles defended by Detroit Pistons guard Caris LeVert (8) in the second half during the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images Paolo Banchero collected 23 points and nine rebounds as the visiting Orlando Magic never trailed in upsetting the top-seeded Detroit Pistons 112-101 in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series on Sunday. Every Magic starter scored at least 16 points. Franz Wagner supplied 19 points, five rebounds and four assists while Wendell Carter Jr. and Desmond Bane each contributed 17 points and five assists. Jalen Suggs had 16 points, four assists and three steals. The Pistons have lost 11 straight playoff home games dating back to the 2008 Eastern Conference finals. Cade Cunningham carried Detroit with 39 points. Tobias Harris was the only other Piston in double figures with 17 points. All-Star center Jalen Duren attempted only four shots in 33 minutes while being held to eight points and seven rebounds. Orlando shot 48.9% from the field while limiting Detroit to 40.3% shooting. Thunder 119, Suns 84 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 points to pace Oklahoma City to a blowout of visiting Phoenix in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round series. Gilgeous-Alexander was just 5 of 18 from the field but went 15 of 17 from the free-throw line and had a game-high seven assists. Jalen Williams added 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists in just 29 minutes while Chet Holmgren contributed 16 points. The Suns, who shot just 34.9% from the field, were led by Devin Booker’s 23 points. Dillon Brooks added 18 and Jalen Green 17. The Thunder scored 34 points off 19 Phoenix turnovers. Celtics 123, 76ers 91 Jaylen Brown scored a game-high 26 points and Jayson Tatum added 25 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists to lead Boston over visiting Philadelphia in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series. Sam Hauser made 4 of 6 attempts from 3-point range to add 12 points for the second-seeded Celtics, who never trailed. Neemias Queta was in foul trouble for much of the game but scored 13 points in 15 minutes of playing time. Seventh-seeded Philadelphia received 21 points with eight assists from Tyrese Maxey and 17 from Paul George. The 76ers shot 38.9% from the floor, including 4 of 23 (17.4%) from 3-point territory. Philadelphia also committed 15 turnovers, which helped Boston hold a 22-3 edge in points off turnovers. Spurs 111, Trail Blazers 98 Victor Wembanyama hit for 35 points in his postseason debut as host San Antonio Spurs outlasted Portland in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series. Wembanyama broke Tim Duncan’s franchise record (32 in 1998) for points in a playoff debut. He led all first-half scorers with 21 points — a league record for most in the first half of an NBA playoff debut going back to 1997, the start of the play-by-play era. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox added 17 points apiece for the Spurs, with Devin Vassell scoring 15 and Luke Kornet hitting for 10. Deni Avdija racked up 30 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Trail Blazers. Scoot Henderson scored 18, Robert Williams III had 11, Shaedon Sharpe hit for 10 and Jrue Holiday distributed 11 assists along with nine points. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Magic #lead #start #topseeded #Pistons #openerApr 19, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) dribbles defended by Detroit Pistons guard Caris LeVert (8) in the second half during the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Paolo Banchero collected 23 points and nine rebounds as the visiting Orlando Magic never trailed in upsetting the top-seeded Detroit Pistons 112-101 in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series on Sunday.

Every Magic starter scored at least 16 points. Franz Wagner supplied 19 points, five rebounds and four assists while Wendell Carter Jr. and Desmond Bane each contributed 17 points and five assists. Jalen Suggs had 16 points, four assists and three steals.

The Pistons have lost 11 straight playoff home games dating back to the 2008 Eastern Conference finals.

Cade Cunningham carried Detroit with 39 points. Tobias Harris was the only other Piston in double figures with 17 points. All-Star center Jalen Duren attempted only four shots in 33 minutes while being held to eight points and seven rebounds. Orlando shot 48.9% from the field while limiting Detroit to 40.3% shooting.

Thunder 119, Suns 84

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 points to pace Oklahoma City to a blowout of visiting Phoenix in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round series.

Gilgeous-Alexander was just 5 of 18 from the field but went 15 of 17 from the free-throw line and had a game-high seven assists. Jalen Williams added 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists in just 29 minutes while Chet Holmgren contributed 16 points.

The Suns, who shot just 34.9% from the field, were led by Devin Booker’s 23 points. Dillon Brooks added 18 and Jalen Green 17. The Thunder scored 34 points off 19 Phoenix turnovers.


Celtics 123, 76ers 91

Jaylen Brown scored a game-high 26 points and Jayson Tatum added 25 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists to lead Boston over visiting Philadelphia in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.

Sam Hauser made 4 of 6 attempts from 3-point range to add 12 points for the second-seeded Celtics, who never trailed. Neemias Queta was in foul trouble for much of the game but scored 13 points in 15 minutes of playing time.

Seventh-seeded Philadelphia received 21 points with eight assists from Tyrese Maxey and 17 from Paul George. The 76ers shot 38.9% from the floor, including 4 of 23 (17.4%) from 3-point territory. Philadelphia also committed 15 turnovers, which helped Boston hold a 22-3 edge in points off turnovers.

Spurs 111, Trail Blazers 98

Victor Wembanyama hit for 35 points in his postseason debut as host San Antonio Spurs outlasted Portland in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series.

Wembanyama broke Tim Duncan’s franchise record (32 in 1998) for points in a playoff debut. He led all first-half scorers with 21 points — a league record for most in the first half of an NBA playoff debut going back to 1997, the start of the play-by-play era. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox added 17 points apiece for the Spurs, with Devin Vassell scoring 15 and Luke Kornet hitting for 10.

Deni Avdija racked up 30 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Trail Blazers. Scoot Henderson scored 18, Robert Williams III had 11, Shaedon Sharpe hit for 10 and Jrue Holiday distributed 11 assists along with nine points.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Magic #lead #start #topseeded #Pistons #opener">Deadspin | NBA roundup: Magic lead from start, down top-seeded Pistons in opener Apr 19, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) dribbles defended by Detroit Pistons guard Caris LeVert (8) in the second half during the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images Paolo Banchero collected 23 points and nine rebounds as the visiting Orlando Magic never trailed in upsetting the top-seeded Detroit Pistons 112-101 in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series on Sunday. Every Magic starter scored at least 16 points. Franz Wagner supplied 19 points, five rebounds and four assists while Wendell Carter Jr. and Desmond Bane each contributed 17 points and five assists. Jalen Suggs had 16 points, four assists and three steals. The Pistons have lost 11 straight playoff home games dating back to the 2008 Eastern Conference finals. Cade Cunningham carried Detroit with 39 points. Tobias Harris was the only other Piston in double figures with 17 points. All-Star center Jalen Duren attempted only four shots in 33 minutes while being held to eight points and seven rebounds. Orlando shot 48.9% from the field while limiting Detroit to 40.3% shooting. Thunder 119, Suns 84 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 points to pace Oklahoma City to a blowout of visiting Phoenix in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round series. Gilgeous-Alexander was just 5 of 18 from the field but went 15 of 17 from the free-throw line and had a game-high seven assists. Jalen Williams added 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists in just 29 minutes while Chet Holmgren contributed 16 points. The Suns, who shot just 34.9% from the field, were led by Devin Booker’s 23 points. Dillon Brooks added 18 and Jalen Green 17. The Thunder scored 34 points off 19 Phoenix turnovers. Celtics 123, 76ers 91 Jaylen Brown scored a game-high 26 points and Jayson Tatum added 25 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists to lead Boston over visiting Philadelphia in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series. Sam Hauser made 4 of 6 attempts from 3-point range to add 12 points for the second-seeded Celtics, who never trailed. Neemias Queta was in foul trouble for much of the game but scored 13 points in 15 minutes of playing time. Seventh-seeded Philadelphia received 21 points with eight assists from Tyrese Maxey and 17 from Paul George. The 76ers shot 38.9% from the floor, including 4 of 23 (17.4%) from 3-point territory. Philadelphia also committed 15 turnovers, which helped Boston hold a 22-3 edge in points off turnovers. Spurs 111, Trail Blazers 98 Victor Wembanyama hit for 35 points in his postseason debut as host San Antonio Spurs outlasted Portland in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series. Wembanyama broke Tim Duncan’s franchise record (32 in 1998) for points in a playoff debut. He led all first-half scorers with 21 points — a league record for most in the first half of an NBA playoff debut going back to 1997, the start of the play-by-play era. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox added 17 points apiece for the Spurs, with Devin Vassell scoring 15 and Luke Kornet hitting for 10. Deni Avdija racked up 30 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Trail Blazers. Scoot Henderson scored 18, Robert Williams III had 11, Shaedon Sharpe hit for 10 and Jrue Holiday distributed 11 assists along with nine points. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Magic #lead #start #topseeded #Pistons #opener

Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander headlines the finalists announced Sunday for this year’s award alongside San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama and Denver’s three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who beat out Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo in the voting last year and was also named NBA Finals MVP as the Thunder beat Indiana for the trophy, averaged more than 30 points per game this season.

He led Oklahoma City to the Western Conference top seed and the best record in the league at 64-18.

Wembanyama, 22, has been the driving force of San Antonio’s first run to the playoffs since 2019, averaging a career-high 25 points per game and a league-best 3.1 blocks.

Jokic averaged a triple-double and became the first player in NBA history to lead the league in both rebounds and assists in the same season. He averaged 27.9 points, 12.8 rebounds and 10.8 assists per game.

ALSO READ | LeBron James hits 19 points as Lakers beat Rockets

Wembanyama also headlines the finalists for Defensive Player of the Year, with Oklahoma City center Chet Holmgren and Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons also on the ballot.

Gilgeous-Alexander is also up for Clutch Player of the Year. He scored 175 points in clutch time, defined as the final five minutes of regulation or overtime when the score is within five points.

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic and Detroit’s Cade Cunningham, who were both ruled eligible for awards races despite not meeting the 65-game minimum, both failed to make the final MVP ballot.

Anthony Edwards, who was ruled out of the MVP race when his request for an “extraordinary circumstances” exemption from the 65-game rule was denied, is nevertheless among the Clutch Player finalists, which isn’t covered by the regulation.

The awards, which are voted on by a panel of sports media members, will be announced over the course of the playoffs.

Published on Apr 20, 2026

#GilgeousAlexander #Wembanyama #Jokic #finalists #NBA #MVP">Gilgeous-Alexander, Wembanyama, Jokic finalists for NBA MVP Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander headlines the finalists announced Sunday for this year’s award alongside San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama and Denver’s three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.Gilgeous-Alexander, who beat out Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo in the voting last year and was also named NBA Finals MVP as the Thunder beat Indiana for the trophy, averaged more than 30 points per game this season.He led Oklahoma City to the Western Conference top seed and the best record in the league at 64-18.Wembanyama, 22, has been the driving force of San Antonio’s first run to the playoffs since 2019, averaging a career-high 25 points per game and a league-best 3.1 blocks.Jokic averaged a triple-double and became the first player in NBA history to lead the league in both rebounds and assists in the same season. He averaged 27.9 points, 12.8 rebounds and 10.8 assists per game.ALSO READ | LeBron James hits 19 points as Lakers beat RocketsWembanyama also headlines the finalists for Defensive Player of the Year, with Oklahoma City center Chet Holmgren and Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons also on the ballot.Gilgeous-Alexander is also up for Clutch Player of the Year. He scored 175 points in clutch time, defined as the final five minutes of regulation or overtime when the score is within five points.Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic and Detroit’s Cade Cunningham, who were both ruled eligible for awards races despite not meeting the 65-game minimum, both failed to make the final MVP ballot.Anthony Edwards, who was ruled out of the MVP race when his request for an “extraordinary circumstances” exemption from the 65-game rule was denied, is nevertheless among the Clutch Player finalists, which isn’t covered by the regulation.The awards, which are voted on by a panel of sports media members, will be announced over the course of the playoffs.Published on Apr 20, 2026 #GilgeousAlexander #Wembanyama #Jokic #finalists #NBA #MVP

LeBron James hits 19 points as Lakers beat Rockets

Wembanyama also headlines the finalists for Defensive Player of the Year, with Oklahoma City center Chet Holmgren and Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons also on the ballot.

Gilgeous-Alexander is also up for Clutch Player of the Year. He scored 175 points in clutch time, defined as the final five minutes of regulation or overtime when the score is within five points.

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic and Detroit’s Cade Cunningham, who were both ruled eligible for awards races despite not meeting the 65-game minimum, both failed to make the final MVP ballot.

Anthony Edwards, who was ruled out of the MVP race when his request for an “extraordinary circumstances” exemption from the 65-game rule was denied, is nevertheless among the Clutch Player finalists, which isn’t covered by the regulation.

The awards, which are voted on by a panel of sports media members, will be announced over the course of the playoffs.

Published on Apr 20, 2026

#GilgeousAlexander #Wembanyama #Jokic #finalists #NBA #MVP">Gilgeous-Alexander, Wembanyama, Jokic finalists for NBA MVP

Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander headlines the finalists announced Sunday for this year’s award alongside San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama and Denver’s three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who beat out Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo in the voting last year and was also named NBA Finals MVP as the Thunder beat Indiana for the trophy, averaged more than 30 points per game this season.

He led Oklahoma City to the Western Conference top seed and the best record in the league at 64-18.

Wembanyama, 22, has been the driving force of San Antonio’s first run to the playoffs since 2019, averaging a career-high 25 points per game and a league-best 3.1 blocks.

Jokic averaged a triple-double and became the first player in NBA history to lead the league in both rebounds and assists in the same season. He averaged 27.9 points, 12.8 rebounds and 10.8 assists per game.

ALSO READ | LeBron James hits 19 points as Lakers beat Rockets

Wembanyama also headlines the finalists for Defensive Player of the Year, with Oklahoma City center Chet Holmgren and Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons also on the ballot.

Gilgeous-Alexander is also up for Clutch Player of the Year. He scored 175 points in clutch time, defined as the final five minutes of regulation or overtime when the score is within five points.

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic and Detroit’s Cade Cunningham, who were both ruled eligible for awards races despite not meeting the 65-game minimum, both failed to make the final MVP ballot.

Anthony Edwards, who was ruled out of the MVP race when his request for an “extraordinary circumstances” exemption from the 65-game rule was denied, is nevertheless among the Clutch Player finalists, which isn’t covered by the regulation.

The awards, which are voted on by a panel of sports media members, will be announced over the course of the playoffs.

Published on Apr 20, 2026

#GilgeousAlexander #Wembanyama #Jokic #finalists #NBA #MVP
Deadspin | Nashville SC maintains early East lead with road shutout of Atlanta Apr 18, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Nashville SC forward Cristian Espinoza (7) kick the ball towards the goal against Atlanta United defender Enea Mihaj (4) during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images Cristian Espinoza and Abdul Shakur Mohammed each scored second-half goals – both assisted by Hany Mukhtar – for Nashville SC, who defeated host Atlanta United 2-0 on Saturday night. Despite missing leading scorer Sam Surridge (seven goals) to a hamstring injury for the second straight match, Nashville (6-1-1, 19 points) extended its win streak to three matches across all competitions while maintaining its lead atop the Eastern Conference standings. It also improved to 3-1-1 on the road in MLS play. Atlanta (1-6-1, 4 points) saw its winless streak in MLS play reach four matches (0-3-1). Nashville pulled ahead in the 61st minute after Atlanta’s Emmanuel Latte Lath lost possession in the attacking half. After the ball reached Mukhtar on the resulting counterattack, his pass near the scoring area found the foot of Espinoza, whose shot sailed past Lucas Hoyos and just inside the left post to make it 1-0. It was Espinoza’s third goal of the season. Nashville grabbed an insurance goal in the first minute of second-half stoppage time when Mohammed made it 2-0, his first goal in MLS. Atlanta and Nashville played an even first half, though Nashville had a couple of opportunities to pull ahead late in the period. In the 39th minute, Hoyos turned aside a header from Daniel Lovitz. Then, in the 41st minute, Mukhtar found himself one-on-one with Hoyos, but was denied by the goalkeeper for the go-ahead goal. Ultimately, Nashville SC pulled away in the second half while keeping its fourth clean sheet in MLS play. Brian Schwake was credited with three saves in the win. Hoyos finished with six saves. Atlanta United fell to 1-3-1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium with the loss. They also entered Saturday’s match without Miguel Almiron, who was dealing with a knee injury sustained during the team’s win over Chattanooga FC in Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup Round of 32. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Nashville #maintains #early #East #lead #road #shutout #AtlantaApr 18, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Nashville SC forward Cristian Espinoza (7) kick the ball towards the goal against Atlanta United defender Enea Mihaj (4) during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

Cristian Espinoza and Abdul Shakur Mohammed each scored second-half goals – both assisted by Hany Mukhtar – for Nashville SC, who defeated host Atlanta United 2-0 on Saturday night.

Despite missing leading scorer Sam Surridge (seven goals) to a hamstring injury for the second straight match, Nashville (6-1-1, 19 points) extended its win streak to three matches across all competitions while maintaining its lead atop the Eastern Conference standings. It also improved to 3-1-1 on the road in MLS play.

Atlanta (1-6-1, 4 points) saw its winless streak in MLS play reach four matches (0-3-1).

Nashville pulled ahead in the 61st minute after Atlanta’s Emmanuel Latte Lath lost possession in the attacking half.

After the ball reached Mukhtar on the resulting counterattack, his pass near the scoring area found the foot of Espinoza, whose shot sailed past Lucas Hoyos and just inside the left post to make it 1-0. It was Espinoza’s third goal of the season.


Nashville grabbed an insurance goal in the first minute of second-half stoppage time when Mohammed made it 2-0, his first goal in MLS.

Atlanta and Nashville played an even first half, though Nashville had a couple of opportunities to pull ahead late in the period.

In the 39th minute, Hoyos turned aside a header from Daniel Lovitz. Then, in the 41st minute, Mukhtar found himself one-on-one with Hoyos, but was denied by the goalkeeper for the go-ahead goal.

Ultimately, Nashville SC pulled away in the second half while keeping its fourth clean sheet in MLS play. Brian Schwake was credited with three saves in the win. Hoyos finished with six saves.

Atlanta United fell to 1-3-1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium with the loss. They also entered Saturday’s match without Miguel Almiron, who was dealing with a knee injury sustained during the team’s win over Chattanooga FC in Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup Round of 32.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Nashville #maintains #early #East #lead #road #shutout #Atlanta">Deadspin | Nashville SC maintains early East lead with road shutout of Atlanta Apr 18, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Nashville SC forward Cristian Espinoza (7) kick the ball towards the goal against Atlanta United defender Enea Mihaj (4) during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images Cristian Espinoza and Abdul Shakur Mohammed each scored second-half goals – both assisted by Hany Mukhtar – for Nashville SC, who defeated host Atlanta United 2-0 on Saturday night. Despite missing leading scorer Sam Surridge (seven goals) to a hamstring injury for the second straight match, Nashville (6-1-1, 19 points) extended its win streak to three matches across all competitions while maintaining its lead atop the Eastern Conference standings. It also improved to 3-1-1 on the road in MLS play. Atlanta (1-6-1, 4 points) saw its winless streak in MLS play reach four matches (0-3-1). Nashville pulled ahead in the 61st minute after Atlanta’s Emmanuel Latte Lath lost possession in the attacking half. After the ball reached Mukhtar on the resulting counterattack, his pass near the scoring area found the foot of Espinoza, whose shot sailed past Lucas Hoyos and just inside the left post to make it 1-0. It was Espinoza’s third goal of the season. Nashville grabbed an insurance goal in the first minute of second-half stoppage time when Mohammed made it 2-0, his first goal in MLS. Atlanta and Nashville played an even first half, though Nashville had a couple of opportunities to pull ahead late in the period. In the 39th minute, Hoyos turned aside a header from Daniel Lovitz. Then, in the 41st minute, Mukhtar found himself one-on-one with Hoyos, but was denied by the goalkeeper for the go-ahead goal. Ultimately, Nashville SC pulled away in the second half while keeping its fourth clean sheet in MLS play. Brian Schwake was credited with three saves in the win. Hoyos finished with six saves. Atlanta United fell to 1-3-1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium with the loss. They also entered Saturday’s match without Miguel Almiron, who was dealing with a knee injury sustained during the team’s win over Chattanooga FC in Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup Round of 32. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Nashville #maintains #early #East #lead #road #shutout #Atlanta

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