WASHINGTON, DC - Top of the Eastern Conference table, Nashville SC, got stood up on the road by playoff hopefuls DC United. Head Coach BJ Callaghan lined his Nashville team up in a 4-3-3 with Surridge on the left, Qasem on the right and Hany Mukhtar up top. The visitors were looking for all three points to keep their cushion above Inter Miami in the East. The home side, and legacy team, DC United were looking for any good result to stay in the hunt for a playoff spot.

René Weiler rolled United out in a 4-4-2 and were holding their own until a mix up in the 32’ when they gave up a penalty - Sam Surridge was able to convert for the visitors. Less than 10 minutes later and Shak Mohammed makes it 2-0 for Nashville and it’s looking like a routine win.

However, just after 10 minutes into the second half, Silvan Hefti pulled one back for the home side - it took VAR 5 minutes to confirm. Tai Baribo, on a yellow by this point, levels it for DCU with an assist from Louis Munteanu.

The two teams split the points and Nashville’s lead over Messi et all in the East is just two points while United are holding down that last spot, with a couple months to go, 3 points above Orlando City.

Photographer Shawn Payne was on assignment for Protagonist Soccer and able to share his work from the evening.

Visit Shawn’s Website to see more of his work https://paynesonphotography.myportfolio.com/featured-work

written by Joshua Duder
photos by Shawn Payne