League-leading Nashville beats Toronto FC 2-0

Toronto FC, sitting 12th in the Eastern Conference and four points outside the playoff places, faced a crucial road test against league-leading Nashville SC after consecutive heavy defeats. Nashville had already clinched a playoff berth and brought a 17-3-6 record, one of MLS’s strongest defenses and an unbeaten home record into the match. Toronto was missing several regulars, including suspended defender Walker Zimmerman, players away on international duty and injured midfielder Djordje Mihailovic, leaving coach Robin Fraser to rely on his squad depth. Nashville took an early lead through Hany Mukhtar, while veteran goalkeeper Joe Willis made his first start of the season in place of international-call-up Brian Schwake. Fraser remained confident in his available players despite the challenge of facing Nashville’s potent attack.