Nashville on the brink of history, but Callaghan focused on performance over records

Nashville SC are on the brink of MLS history ahead of this weekend's game against the New York Red Bulls, but head coach BJ Callaghan's focus is on the approach his team brings to the pitch rather than records.

Having already wrapped up the Supporters' Shield, Nashville have the chance to share the record for the most points in a single MLS season if they take all three points at GEODIS Park. Callaghan's side, who have collected 71 points so far, will match the 74-point record set by Inter Miami in 2024 if they claim their 22nd league win of the season.

Nashville, who face FC Cincinnati in the final week of the regular season, could also take the chance to break the record outright into the last game. They missed an opportunity to move a step closer to the historic achievement in their last outing, when they were held to a 0-0 draw by the Philadelphia Union.

Nevertheless, Callaghan stressed that his priority is getting the best out of his players and said his team had performed well despite the intense emotional swings of recent weeks:

"We try to win every game, and the records are just a natural consequence of that approach. We'll rest a little and keep putting a good team on the field. Considering the intense emotional process of the last 7 to 10 days, I'm proud of the way my players went out and competed. The team played with good tempo and a great mentality. I was pleased with our approach on the field, but there are always areas where we can improve."

For the New York Red Bulls, a playoff place is not yet secured. Sitting 10th in the Eastern Conference ahead of their trip to Nashville, the New York side could see their postseason hopes end if results go against them this weekend. In midweek, the Red Bulls came back from two goals down to draw level against the New England Revolution in the 64th minute, but conceded seven minutes from time to lose and make their task harder.

Red Bulls head coach Michael Bradley, whose side generated 2.41 expected goals (xG) in the game to New England's 1.89, lamented his team's failure to take their chances in the final third:

"It's really frustrating. We're a good team; our game plan, our style and our ability to set the tempo no matter who we play or where are pretty good. But if you want to take that big step as a team, you have to be there in the decisive moments. When you put in so much effort to create big chances in the box, you have to score those goals and finish those plays."

PLAYER TO WATCH: Hany Mukhtar (Nashville)

Mukhtar was the only Nashville player with more than one shot in Wednesday's goalless draw, attempting two, but failed to hit the target. That ended Mukhtar's run of five consecutive MLS matches with multiple shots on target.