Nashville SC pulls out a 3-1 win over Penn FC

Nashville SC is the real deal in the USL.

Saturday's 3-1 win over Penn FC in front of a crowd of 8,724 at First Tennessee Park showed how Nashville SC is one of the best teams in the USL after 11 games.

The new additions

The differences between wins and draws In the first two months of the season relied upon either Ropapa Mensah or Lebo Moloto to create and score. If the pair were stymied, Nashville SC left points on the pitch.

The midseason additions of forward Brandon Allen and winger Ish Jome have added much-needed ability and depth to Nashville's attacking options. Nashville's goal, with Jome on the assist of Allen's goal, created the kind of play that coach Gary Smith envisioned when Nashville acquired the two.

"Just being in the right place at the right time is a goal scorer's instinct," Allen said. "The players around me help me get into the right place, and I'm really happy to be here."

Allen also assisted on Nashville's second goal of the night, a long-range shot by Lebo Moloto. Moloto found more space around the midfield on Saturday than any other game this season. No coincidence that it was the first time he, Jome and Allen were listed in the starting lineup this season.

Results speak for themselves

Saturday's victory pushed Nashville SC's unbeaten run to six games inside of the league and eight games in all competitions.

Nashville has played two league games at home since April 7 and has earned results against three of the top four teams in the Eastern Conference. With four straight home games on the horizon after a June 9 match in Tampa, Nashville has a real opportunity to scale up the standings in comfortable surroundings and position themselves for a second-half run toward home playoff soccer.

"We want to play a positive style (at home) and give (fans) something to get on their feet about," Matt LaGrassa said. "It's a results business. So when we're away from home, we are just focused on results."

Man of the match

Brandon Allen was the best player on the field Saturday. His positioning led to the first goal as he made a precise run to the far post, which was one of many attacking runs to keep Penn FC on the back foot. Smith has choices to make, with Allen, Moloto, Mensah, Jome and Alan Winn all available for spots in the starting lineup.