Nashville SC keep up Supporters’ Shield pace in MLS restart | OneFootball

By Ben Wright

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nashville SC picked up exactly where they left off before the 2026 FIFA World Cup break.

The Coyotes resumed their dominant 2026 campaign by grinding out a hard-fought 1-0 win over regional rivals Atlanta United on Friday night, with Shak Mohammed’s 79th-minute header extending their winning streak to four matches and their unbeaten run to nine.

With 36 points (11W-1L-3D), Nashville have now opened a four-point cushion over Vancouver Whitecaps FC and the San Jose Earthquakes, further strengthening their Supporters' Shield credentials.

"The foundation of what we always want to be is a team that competes with a really strong mentality and competes with intensity," head coach B.J. Callaghan told reporters post-match.

"Those are things that we can control. I think you saw that on display tonight, and really proud of the group, of the way that they just handled a bunch of different factors."

Mohammed's moment

Mohammed was a surprise name in the starting lineup. With Cristian Espinoza and Warren Madrigal out injured, and newly-signed winger Elias Saad still awaiting his visa, Mohammed earned just his second regular-season start for the Coyotes. 

The 22-year-old made the most of it, giving Nashville the win by nodding home Alex Muyl's cross with a pinpoint header. 

It was the second-ever MLS goal for Mohammed, selected No. 2 overall by Orlando City in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft.  His first also came against Atlanta, in the reverse fixture - a 2-0 victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in April.

Friday's came at GEODIS Park, sending the capacity crowd – and Nashville players – into a jubilant celebration.

"Every time you score a goal, it's so emotional, because it's so hard – it's the hardest thing to do in football," Mohammed said. "It's different at home than away. I don't even remember what exactly happened – all the noise, I see Maxwell [Woledzi] tackling me, I see Hany [Mukhtar] running around, I see the whole team. God knows what it's just chaos, and I don't remember the moment.

"It's amazing, and it is truly a blessing."

Dog days of summer

After a nearly two-month break, Nashville have a jam-packed schedule ahead. 

That includes Wednesday's home fixture against CF Montréal (8:30 pm ET | Apple TV) and a July 25 visit to Antoine Griezmann and Orlando City (7:30 pm ET | Apple TV).

Next month, the Coyotes will participate in Leagues Cup 2026. Finalists in 2023, the Coyotes will host LIGA MX's Club León on August 5 in their tournament opener.

WATCH: Nashville beat Atlanta late to keep Shield pace