An emotional celebration took place during Nashville SC’s round of 16 battle with Club América. Nashville’s captain, Walker Zimmerman, scored the first goal of the night and dedicated the celebration to his family.
In the first half, neither club had much of an advantage despite some attacks from both sides and the clubs went into the half scoreless. The intensity increased at the start of the second half and Zimmerman stepped up to break the stalemate.
During a 61st-minute corner kick, Zimmerman out jumped the América defense in the six-yard box and beat the keeper with a header to make it 1-0 Nashville. After Zimmerman received hugs from his teammates in the post-goal celebration, he walked away from the group and put his arms together to pantomime rocking a baby.
The celebration was dedicated to his unborn child.
Zimmerman had already congratulated his wife on his Instagram. On Mother's Day he posted a photo and wrote: “Happy Mother's Day @ sally.zimmerman !! Thank you for being the greatest blessing to our family. Love you!!!”
But a new child on the way and a goal weren’t the only reasons to celebrate. Following his goal, the rest of the match was an intense back and forth that ended with both teams level, 2-2, following a Sam Surridge stoppage time goal for Nashville.
The penalty shootout was as spicy as the second half, with a match-winning penalty kick from América being called off and retaken. Eventually Nashville won the shootout 5-4 and advanced to the Leagues Cup 2023 quarterfinals.
Considering how well Zimmerman can score goals, will he bring another goal scorer into the world?
