Cincinnati stops Nashville rally for 2-2 draw

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Randall Leal had a goal and an assist to help Nashville rally for a 2-2 tie with Cincinnati in the season opener and first MLS meeting between the former USL rivals on Saturday night.

Leal crossed to Jhonder Cadiz, who finished from close range to bring Nashville within 2-1 in the 20th minute. In the 64th minute, Leal tied it at 2 with a long-range curler that was just above the outstretched reach of goalkeeper Przemyslaw Tyton.

Nashville pressed forward for the go-ahead goal and had its best chance in the 75th minute, but Tyton made back-to-back saves, recovering to block Handwalla Bwana's putback after going to the ground to save C.J. Sapong's initial shot.

Luciano Acosta opened the scoring for Cincinnati in the eighth minute, running behind Ronald Matarrita's weighted through ball and lightly chipping it past the charging goalkeeper to get behind him for the tap in.

A minute later, Brenner drew a penalty while challenging goalkeeper Joe Willis as he was attempting a clearance and Brenner converted from the spot to double Cincinnati's lead in the 12th minute.

More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP-Sports

Updated April 18, 2021