MLS 2026: Woledzi header gives Nashville 1-0 win over Red Bulls

Maxwell Woledzi scored in second-half stoppage time to give Nashville SC a 1-0 victory over New York Red Bulls in Harrison, New Jersey. The Ghanaian defender headed in the decisive goal from Cristian Espinoza’s free-kick, securing all three points for the visitors.

The match remained goalless through a closely contested first half. Both teams created opportunities, but neither could find the finish needed to break the deadlock before the interval.

Nashville, who sit at the top of the Eastern Conference, controlled a significant share of possession and continued to press for an opening after the restart. Their pressure finally produced a result when Woledzi rose to meet Espinoza’s delivery and sent the ball into the net late in the game.

The goal also completed a clean sheet for Nashville, with Woledzi playing a central role in a defensive performance that kept the Red Bulls scoreless. His contribution made the former FC Nordsjaelland player the match-winner after a game in which the home side had also threatened in attack.

Woledzi was joined in Nashville’s starting line-up by fellow Ghanaian Abdul Shakur Mohammed, who played for 62 minutes before making way for Espinoza, the provider of the winning set-piece. Ghanaian players also featured for New York, with Ronald Donkor starting and Mohammed Sofo entering from the bench.

The result strengthens Nashville’s position at the head of the Eastern Conference, while the Red Bulls were left without a goal despite their chances during the match. Woledzi’s late header proved the difference between the sides.