In a challenging matchup at Providence Park on Sunday night, Nashville SC was overwhelmed by the Portland Timbers in a 4-1 defeat. The loss marked Nashville's third consecutive loss, following defeats to Columbus Crew and Inter Miami.
The match took a sharp downturn for Nashville (6-8-8, 26 points) early in the first half. Portland’s Felipe Mora capitalized on a mistake by Brian Anunga to score the opening goal in the 18th minute. Just two minutes later, Jonathan Rodriguez, who assisted on Mora's goal, netted a goal of his own during a counterattack. Rodriguez struck again in the 24th minute with a long-range effort from outside the penalty box. Eryk Williamson completed the Timbers’ remarkable scoring spree in the 29th minute, making it the first time Nashville had conceded four goals in one half in their MLS history.
Nashville's troubles were compounded when Brian Anunga received a red card in the 35th minute, extinguishing any remaining hopes of a comeback. Despite the setback, Nashville managed to find the net late in the second half with Sam Surridge scoring from an assist by Shaq Moore, who recently returned from international duty with the United States national team in the Copa América.
The defeat leaves Nashville SC in a precarious position as they prepare for their next game against D.C. United on Saturday, wrapping up a three-game road trip. The team is looking forward to the arrival of new head coach BJ Callaghan, set to join the club on July 22, in hopes of revitalizing their season and steering them back to winning ways.