NASHVILLE — There are nights when everything seems to bounce your way.

Then there are nights like Saturday.

FC Cincinnati generated enough quality chances to keep pace with Nashville SC, but couldn't find the back of the net as the Supporters' Shield leaders rolled to a 4-0 victory at GEODIS Park.

For much of the first half, Cincinnati managed to weather Nashville's relentless pressure despite spending long stretches pinned in its own end.  That changed in the 43rd minute.

Cristian Espinoza floated a cross into the penalty area where Sam Surridge rose above the defense and headed home the opening goal, giving Nashville a deserved 1-0 lead heading into halftime.

The Orange and Blue nearly found an immediate response after the break.

Gerardo Valenzuela struck the outside of the post in the 50th minute before Nashville doubled its advantage just four minutes later. Hany Mukhtar finished from close range after a well-worked buildup, putting Cincinnati in an early second-half hole.

To FC Cincinnati's credit, it didn't quit.  Kévin Denkey nearly pulled one back in the 58th minute, but Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake got just enough of the attempt to push it off the post before defenders scrambled to clear the ball off the goal line. Moments later, Evander appeared destined to score on a rebound, only for defender Maxwell Woledzi to block the shot from an open net.

Those missed opportunities proved costly.

With Cincinnati pressing numbers forward late, Nashville took advantage of the extra space. Bryan Acosta blasted home a free-kick sequence in the 90th minute before Ahmed Qasem added another deep into stoppage time, turning what had been a competitive match into a lopsided final score.

The defeat was certainly disappointing, but the 4-0 scoreline was also somewhat misleading.

FC Cincinnati created enough dangerous chances to make Nashville uncomfortable throughout the second half, only to be repeatedly denied by Schwake, the goal frame and several outstanding defensive recoveries. Meanwhile, Nashville punished nearly every mistake the Orange and Blue made while continuing what has become one of the most impressive seasons in Major League Soccer history.

What's Next: FC Cincinnati returns home Saturday night to host D.C. United at TQL Stadium, looking to bounce back after one of its toughest defeats of the season.