A bit of Hany Mukhtar magic carried Nashville SC over the line in a 2-0 victory over Toronto FC at Geodis Park on Sept. 26.
Mukhtar scored both goals as NSC (18-6-3) remained unbeaten at home, setting a club record for most regular-season wins with 18, while becoming the second-fastest team in league history to reach 60 points, after LAFC in 2019. The win also extends Nashville SC's lead in the Supporters' Shield standings to 10 points ahead of Vancouver FC.
Mukhtar's second goal, a howling shot from outside the box into the bottom left corner, marked a historic achievement for Nashville's German-born talisman. He became the 16th player in MLS history to score 100 career goals in the league, while he's just the second active player to reach that
mark.
The goals speak for themselves, but Mukhtar's impact this season as NSC's longest-tenured player extends far beyond the numbers.
"He's an unbelievable soccer player, to begin with. His work ethic is second to none. His leadership abilities and qualities are there. He's an unbelievable captain," NSC keeper Joe Willis said of Mukhtar. "The way he talks to young guys is the same way he talks to old guys.
"He's always there to give advice and he's really approachable for any of the young guys. He's been unbelievable for this club in everything that he does and (I) can't say enough good things about him."
Goalkeeper Joe Willis steps in for Nashville
Another elder statesman on the NSC squad, Willis started his first match of the 2026 season, making three saves to help secure Nashville's 13th shutout in the league.
Willis was a stalwart for Nashville SC from 2019 to 2025, but with the emergence Brian Schwake and Xavier Valdez, he had yet to see the field entering the match against Toronto.
With Schwake and Valdez each on international duty, Willis resumed his former role in the starting lineup and didn't miss a beat, making a key first-half save against former U.S. men's national team forward Josh Sargent.
"We've seen Joe play really well. He's had a really long, great career," coach B.J. Callaghan said. "But if you get to see how he works every day, the contributions he makes, the mentorship he gives to the players, the team camaraderie that he builds and the way that he leads selflessly, I hate to say it, but we expect that from him.
"We see the work that he puts in each and every day. Whether he's playing or he's not playing, he trains and prepares like he's going to be the starter. He's learned that over his career and I think tonight is a great example of the way he goes about his business. I hope there are other people that see, the work that he puts in allows you to do that when your (name) is called."
Nashville SC has an extended break from action before returning to MLS play on Oct. 10, traveling to face Austin FC.
Harrison Campbell can be reached at hcampbell@usatodayco.com and follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @hccamp.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Hany Mukhtar's goals lead Nashville SC past Toronto FC for club record in wins
