Surridge scores 2 goals as Nashville beats Minnesota United 3-1

Nashville SC extends unbeaten start to the season with a home win over Minnesota United.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Sam Surridge scored two goals and Cristian Espinoza added a goal and an assist to help Nashville SC beat Minnesota United 3-1 on Saturday night. Surridge has now scored 17 home goals since the start of last season, the most in MLS. Nectarios Triantis scored the lone goal for Minnesota United.

Why it matters

This win extends Nashville SC's unbeaten start to the 2026 MLS season and showcases their offensive firepower led by Sam Surridge, one of the league's top goal scorers. For Minnesota United, the loss drops them to 1-1-1 on the young season as they look to build on last year's playoff appearance.

The details

Surridge re-directed a shot by Patrick Yazbek to open the scoring in the 26th minute, and his rising shot from the right corner of the 6-yard box in the 47th minute made it 3-1. Cristian Espinoza added Nashville's second goal in the 33rd minute, tapping in a rebound after a shot by Hany Mukhtar was parried by goalkeeper Drake Callender. Nectarios Triantis scored Minnesota United's lone goal in the 35th minute.

  • The match was played on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
  • Surridge's first goal came in the 26th minute.
  • Espinoza's goal came in the 33rd minute.
  • Triantis scored for Minnesota United in the 35th minute.
  • Surridge's second goal came in the 47th minute.

The players

Sam Surridge

A forward for Nashville SC who has scored 17 home goals since the start of last season, the most in MLS.

Cristian Espinoza

A midfielder for Nashville SC who scored a goal and had an assist in the match.

Nectarios Triantis

A midfielder who scored the lone goal for Minnesota United in the match.

Drake Callender

The goalkeeper for Minnesota United who made 3 saves in the match.

Brian Schwake

The goalkeeper for Nashville SC who made 2 saves in the match.

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What they’re saying

“Sam Surridge has been a revelation for us this season. His goal-scoring ability is a big reason why we've had such a strong start.”

— Gary Smith, Head Coach, Nashville SC (Nashville Tennessean)

“We knew coming into this match that Nashville would be a tough opponent, but we're disappointed we couldn't get more out of the game. We'll need to regroup and focus on our next match.”

— Adrian Heath, Head Coach, Minnesota United (St. Paul Pioneer Press)

What’s next

Nashville SC will look to continue their unbeaten start when they host the Seattle Sounders on March 15th. Minnesota United will try to bounce back at home against the Portland Timbers on March 22nd.

The takeaway

Nashville SC's high-powered offense, led by Sam Surridge's goal-scoring prowess, has them off to a strong start in the 2026 MLS season. Meanwhile, Minnesota United will need to regroup after this defeat as they aim to build on last year's playoff appearance.