AFCON 2025
Nashville SC have been crowned the 2026 MLS Supporters’ Shield winners after defeating CF Montréal 2-0 away from home on Saturday.
Second-half goals from Sam Surridge and Hany Mukhtar secured the victory, taking Nashville to 70 points from a record of 21 wins, three draws and seven defeats.
The result also extended Nashville’s unbeaten run to seven matches, with five wins and two draws during that period.
Surridge opened the scoring in the 52nd minute, converting the rebound after CF Montréal goalkeeper Samsy Keita had denied his initial header from a Reed Baker-Whiting cross. The goal was Surridge’s 18th of the season, making him Nashville’s leading scorer.
Mukhtar doubled the advantage in the 76th minute after intercepting Brayan Vera’s attempted clearance outside the penalty area. The Nashville midfielder collected the ball inside the box before firing towards goal, with his effort deflecting off Keita and into the net.
The 17-year-old goalkeeper was making his MLS debut and produced several important saves despite the defeat.
Montréal had opportunities to threaten Nashville, with Vera heading narrowly wide from a corner in the 21st minute. However, further efforts from Alexis Sanchez, Hennadii Synchuk and Dante Sealy failed to produce a goal.
The defeat leaves Montréal on 25 points after six wins, 18 defeats and seven draws. The Canadian side have managed just one victory in their last 11 matches and have been eliminated from playoff contention.
For Nashville, the victory confirms their position as the best team in MLS during the regular season, earning them the Supporters’ Shield.
However, the MLS Cup remains a separate prize, with the end-of-season playoffs still determining the league’s overall champion.
