Hany Mukhtar scored in the 56th minute and Nashville SC went on to extend its unbeaten streak to nine matches by defeating the host Chicago Fire 2-0 on Saturday night.
Sam Surridge added a goal in the 75th minute. Andy Najar assisted on both goals.
Joe Willis made eight saves for Nashville (9-4-5, 32 points), which recorded its second shutout in nearly a two-month period.
Mukhtar’s goal came on Nashville’s second shot on goal as sustained offense was difficult to achieve, but Nashville ended up with its first victory in the past three matches (1-0-2).
The Fire (7-6-4, 25 points), who were playing in their first home match in more than a month, couldn’t take advantage of extra possession opportunities following 19 Nashville fouls. Chicago goalkeeper Jeff Gal stopped one shot.
Nashville is 5-0-4 in the nine-match stretch.
Mukhtar’s goal came from inside the box off an assist from Najar. A slight touch on a pass from Najar on the right side connected with Mukhtar, who entered the box from the top middle.
It marked Mukhtar’s eighth goal of the year and second in a three-match stretch. Nashville has scored twice in each of its last four MLS games.
The Fire entered the game on a two-match winning streak and had come off a 7-1 whipping of D.C. United a week earlier.
Chicago is just 1-2-4 at home this season.
Nashville managed only one shot on goal for the first 56 minutes of the match.
–Field Level Media
