Nashville SC bests New York City FC behind Maxwell Woledzi's 1st MLS goal

Field Level Media|published: Sat 23rd May, 23:17 2026

May 23, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville SC defender Jeisson Palacios (4)celebrates with forward Warren Madrigal (41) after scoring a goal against New York City FC during the first half at Geodis Park. Mandatory Credit: Alan Poizner-Imagn Images

Maxwell Woledzi scored on a header early in the second half for his first career MLS goal and first in any league in six seasons to lift Nashville SC to a 2-1 victory over visiting New York City FC on Saturday night.

Jeisson Palacios also scored his first goal of the season for Nashville (10-1-3, 33 points), which extended its winning streak to three league games and unbeaten run to eight heading into the World Cup break.

Nicolas Fernandez Mercau converted from the penalty spot for his 10th goal for NYCFC (5-6-4, 19 points).

But Brian Schwake made three saves for the victors, including a reflex stop of Fernandez Mercau in second-half stoppage time. That ensured the Coyotes will remain atop the Eastern Conference table through the seven-week hiatus. It also meant an end to the Cityzens' three-match league unbeaten run.

Nashville leading scorer Sam Surridge made his first appearance in about a month as a late substitute in his return from back issues.

Palacios opened the scoring in the 17th minute when he escaped the mark of Nico Cavallo, reached Cristian Espinoza's inswinging corner kick and powered his header between a deflection from goalkeeper Matt Freese and the crossbar.

Espinoza was also involved on Nashville's second from Woledzi to restore a one-goal advantage in the 49th minute, sending in an initial cross from the left that failed to reach a teammate's head.

It eventually sailed to Bryan Acosta, who settled beyond the far corner of the penalty area before sending in a second outswinging service toward the back post.

Woledzi rose above right back Tayvon Gray to meet it with a second powerful header to beat Freese beneath his crossbar.

Fernandez Mercau pulled NYCFC level from the spot in the 23rd minute, driving a confident finish down the middle as Schwake guessed incorrectly. Malachi Jones had lured Reed Baker-Whiting into the foul while dribbling at the fringe of the penalty area.

It was Mercau's second penalty scored in as many attempts this season. The only other NYCFC player to take a penalty, Maxi Moralez, was lost for the season with a torn ACL suffered in last weekend's draw with the New York Red Bulls.

--Field Level Media

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