MLS Shield Leader Nashville Set to Face Austin

Austin FC hosts Nashville SC at Q2 Stadium in a late-season MLS matchup, with Austin trying to close a five-point gap to the Western Conference playoff places and Nashville protecting its league-leading form. Austin is unbeaten in eight matches, including a dramatic 3-3 comeback against San Diego, but has drawn five times in that stretch. Nashville has already clinched a playoff berth and is pursuing the Supporters’ Shield and a possible MLS single-season points record; the club recently reached 60 points and followed a 2-0 win over Toronto with a two-game winning streak. Nashville’s Hany Mukhtar scored twice against Toronto, while the team has allowed a league-low 21 goals. The match is also a rematch of the 2025 U.S. Open Cup final, won by Nashville.