Hany Mukhtar was the man of the moment as Nashville SC recorded a 3-1 win over 10-man St. Louis City in Major League Soccer on Saturday night.
Nashville’s four-game winning streak was ended with a 1-1 draw at Toronto FC last time out and wasted no time in Saturday’s game at Geodis Park as Mukhtar opened proceedings in the 11th minute with a half volley from a lose ball that fell into his path.
St. Louis equalised in the 41st minute from a corner kick that was tucked in from close range by Nicholas Gioacchini but Nashville came alive in the second half as Mukhtar scored twice between the 70th and 75th minute to complete his hat-trick, his second goal coming from the penalty spot.
The 28-year-old German-Sudanese, who is the reigning MLS MVP, has now scored 13 goals in 18 league games to sit at the top of goalscorers chart, ahead of Gabon and Los Angeles FC forward Denis Bouanga, FC Dallas forward Jesus Ferreira and Georgios Giakoumakis of Atlanta United, all tied on 10 goals.
Hany cooked 'em ????????
Hany's Hat Trick makes him tonight's @Heineken_US Man of the Match pic.twitter.com/rsg0NSM7WB
— Nashville SC (@NashvilleSC) June 18, 2023
St. Louis City were reduced to 10 men after Canadian full-back Kyle Hiebert was sent off in the 68th minute for a second bookable offence.
Nashville are unbeaten in their last 10 games and have won five straight games at home. They sit second in the MLS Eastern Conference standings, five points behind FC Cincinnati who have a game in hand.
St. Louis, led by South African manager Bradley Carnell, are still at the top of the Western Conference with a game in hand but tied on 29 points with LAFC who have two outstanding matches.
