Australian Midfielder Yazbek Leads Nashville SC Atop East

Patrick Yazbek's breakout season continues as Nashville SC maintains conference lead.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:40am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a soccer match, with sharp, overlapping shapes in navy blue, gold, and red representing the dynamic action on the field.Nashville SC's Patrick Yazbek's standout performance keeps his team atop the Eastern Conference standings.Charlotte Today

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, 24-year-old Australian international Patrick Yazbek is having a standout season for Nashville SC, setting up a long-range goal and scoring the game-winner in a 2-1 victory over Charlotte FC to keep his team atop the Eastern Conference standings.

Why it matters

Yazbek's strong performances for Nashville could boost his chances of making Australia's final 26-man World Cup roster, as the Socceroos look to make an impact in a group that includes the United States, Paraguay, and Türkiye.

The details

Yazbek assisted on Eddi Tagseth's opening goal in the 14th minute and then scored the 62nd-minute game-winner, leading Nashville to the 2-1 victory without the help of their Designated Players, who were rested ahead of an important Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal match.

  • Nashville SC defeated Charlotte FC on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled for this summer.

The players

Patrick Yazbek

A 24-year-old Australian international midfielder who is having a breakout season for Nashville SC.

Eddi Tagseth

Yazbek's midfield partner at Nashville SC, who scored the opening goal in the 14th minute.

B.J. Callaghan

The head coach of Nashville SC, who opted to rest the team's Designated Players ahead of an important Concacaf Champions Cup match.

Hany Mukhtar

One of Nashville SC's Designated Players who saw limited minutes off the bench.

Sam Surridge

One of Nashville SC's Designated Players who saw limited minutes off the bench.

Cristian Espinoza

One of Nashville SC's Designated Players who saw limited minutes off the bench.

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What they’re saying

“He does everything 100%, and he's showing in games this year that he can score, he can assist, he can defend, he can attack. He can do everything.”

— Eddi Tagseth, Midfielder, Nashville SC

“I think it just proves how hard work makes you better. He's every day one of the hardest workers.”

— Eddi Tagseth, Midfielder, Nashville SC

What’s next

Nashville SC will face Club América in the decisive Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal Leg 2 on Tuesday.

The takeaway

Yazbek's standout performances for Nashville SC this season could be a key factor in his bid to make Australia's final 26-man World Cup roster, as the Socceroos look to make an impact in a challenging group at the upcoming tournament.