Mukhtar credits Nashville’s identity for Eastern Conference lead

Hany Mukhtar believes Nashville SC’s “clear DNA” has been central to the club’s outstanding start to the 2026 MLS season.

Nashville sit top of the Eastern Conference and lead the Supporters’ Shield standings after a commanding 4-1 victory over Inter Miami. Mukhtar scored twice in that match, while Andy Najar and Sam Surridge also found the net.

Mukhtar rejected the idea that the win over Miami was a statement result, instead describing it as recognition of the work Nashville have completed through the opening 18 or 19 matches of the campaign.

“The most important thing is that a club has a DNA, and we have a clear DNA in our team,” Mukhtar said. “We have a clear mentality in our team. Whoever comes in, it doesn't matter who it is, has to adapt to the mentality, to the DNA. That is the foundation of this club.”

Nashville can increase their advantage at the top of the table when they visit the New York Red Bulls. The Red Bulls are eighth in the Eastern Conference after losing 2-1 to Atlanta United despite taking an early lead.

Red Bulls looking for a stronger finish

New York head coach Michael Bradley has called on his team to find a second goal rather than allowing opponents to remain in contention after falling behind.

“We need to be able to get the second goal,” Bradley said. “When you can't make the play to get the second goal, then you leave it open, and you leave a team that is desperate in some ways. You leave them hanging around.”

Adri Mehmeti provided the assist for Emil Forsberg’s early goal against Atlanta, becoming only the fourth player in MLS history to record five assists in a season before turning 18. The teenager joined Alphonso Davies, Freddy Adu and Eddie Gaven in that group.

Nashville favored to continue its run

Nashville have won six of their last eight regular-season matches, drawing one and losing one. Their victory over Miami was the 12th time they have scored multiple goals in a league match this season, behind only Miami and FC Cincinnati in that category.

Mukhtar’s two-goal performance was his 18th regular-season match with multiple goals since joining MLS in 2020. Only Lionel Messi, with 19, has more during that period.

Nashville earned their first victory over the Red Bulls in the teams’ most recent meeting, winning 2-1 at home in May 2025. However, New York have recorded two wins and two draws in their four home matches against Nashville, keeping clean sheets in all four.

The Red Bulls have lost three of their four matches since the summer break, while Nashville enter the fixture with momentum and the stronger statistical outlook. The win probability gives Nashville a 44.5% chance of victory, compared with 30.5% for New York and 25% for a draw.