NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Brandon Allen had a goal and an assist as Nashville SC took a 3-1 victory against Penn FC before a crowd of 8,724 at First Tennessee Park on Saturday night. Nashville created some early pressure, but Penn went close to opening the scoring in the 26th minute as a turning shot by Richie Menjivar forced a low save by NSC goalkeeper Matt Pickens. The hosts struck in the 36th minute as two of their recent additions combined with Ish Jome’s powerful run and cross from the left found Allen for a first-time finish from eight yards out. Allen also curled a shot just high and wide in the 44th minute, but three minutes into the second half he played provider on a give-and-go with Lebo Moloto that the South African curled into the top-right corner of the net. The hosts almost added to its lead in the 69th minute as Matt LaGrassa was denied from the right side of the penalty area by Penn goalkeeper Romuald Peiser, but with 14 minutes to go Penn pulled a goal back as Ken Tribbett headed home at the back post from Jerry Ortiz’s corner kick from the left. Nashville put the game away with five minutes to go, however, as Alan Winn was on hand to score from close range after a finish by Moloto that was cleared off the line fell kindly for the rookie.  

Scoring:
36’ – NSH – Brandon Allen (Ish Jome)
48’ – NSH – Lebo Moloto (Brandon Allen)
76’ – PEN – Ken Tribbett (Jerry Ortiz)
81’ – NSH – Alan Winn

• #NSHvPEN: Highlights and Opta Box Score

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. Nashville completed a big week with a strong home display that moved the side within reach of the top four in the Eastern Conference as the side’s clinical finishing proved the difference as the side claimed its third win in the last four games and extended its undefeated streak to six games overall. NSC struck on its first two shots on goal to take a solid lead early in the second half, and while Penn fought and got a potential lifeline thanks to Ken Tribbett’s headed finish the hosts quickly regained a two-goal advantage through Alan Winn to seal a six-point week.

• 2. Brandon Allen had already had a positive impact for Nashville since his arrival from Bethlehem Steel FC last month, and on NSC’s opening two goals showed more of why he was coveted by the side when they brought him aboard. A well-timed run to put home a great cross from fellow newcomer Ish Jome was Allen at his best as he beat his defender to the key area to finish, but almost as good was his interplay with Lebo Moloto that set up a spectacular finish early in the second half. With two goals in three appearances so far, Allen’s arrival has added a new dimension to NSC’s attack.

• 3. Penn had shown some improvement in its past two outings but remains well off the pace in the race for the playoffs in the Eastern Conference as it was unable to take advantage of the chances it created well enough as Nashville’s attack stole the show. Penn has back-to-back home games up next against Toronto FC II and the Richmond Kickers, and the side will likely need to take victory in both games to catapult it back up the standings and get some positive feeling going again.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Brandon Allen, Nashville SC – Allen’s goal and assist led the hosts to a comfortable victory as the recent addition continued his strong start for his new club.

Upcoming Games:

Nashville SC at Tampa Bay Rowdies – June 9, 7:30 p.m. ET, Al Lang Stadium

Penn FC vs. Toronto FC II – June 9, 7 p.m. ET, FNB Field