Nashville make MLS history with record-breaking start

Nashville SC etched their name into the MLS record books on Saturday, collecting 49 points from their opening 21 games of the season — the most ever accumulated at this stage of a campaign in league history.

The milestone was sealed in the most dramatic fashion possible. Trailing 2-1 deep into stoppage time at GEODIS Park, Nashville looked set to be denied by the Columbus Crew after Mohamed Farsi and Andre Gomes struck to overturn Hany Mukhtar's opener and flip the match on its head.

But the hosts refused to surrender. Reed Baker-Whiting levelled in the 93rd minute, and Andy Najar won it just nine seconds shy of two minutes later, snatching a breathless victory that sent the home crowd into raptures.

The previous record of 46 points from 21 matches had been shared by LA Galaxy (1998), Los Angeles FC (2019) and the New England Revolution (2021) — though the Galaxy's tally came in the shoot-out era, when draws were not recorded.

Callaghan: “Special things can happen”

Head coach BJ Callaghan said his players are convinced that “special things” can happen this season after their historic start left them 10 points clear of Inter Miami at the summit of the Eastern Conference.

“The group is a confident group,” Callaghan said. “Their confidence comes from doing the things that they say they want to do. This group wants to go out and win every game. I know everybody wants to do that, but when you have the opportunity to do it, you have to show that you want to do it.”

“I think when everybody plays with this selflessness and wants to see each guy and each team-mate shine, special things can happen,” he added.