MLS Preview: Nashville SC
Nashville SC started as an USL expansion franchise back in 2016, whose ownership group worked with another pre-existing local club called Nashville FC to further the game in the area. In 2017, plans were already underway to elevate from the USL to the MLS, which were confirmed in December of that year.
Between 2017 and 2020 the club played in the USL while the construction of their home field progressed. Geodis Park was ready by the club's 2020 debut, but was only host to one game before the league was shut down by COVID.
Known for their tough defense, Nashville has a strong track record of postseason qualifications but has yet to win a major trophy. They did finish as runner-up in the 2023 Leagues Cup, losing to fellow 2020 expansion sibling Inter Miami (who had added Lionel Messi to their roster earlier that season). The game was tied 1-1 and decided by ELEVEN penalties. In the final round the goalkeepers had to face each other; Nashville's Elliot Panicco missed.
Though John Ingram is generally acknowledged as the 'owner' of the franchise, in reality there are many different partners involved. Reese Witherspoon is reputedly an investor, and there might still be a 1% stake owned by the original fan-based NFC club that sold the name, logo and color scheme to the USL entity who eventually won expansion into the MLS.
Given the club's youth, there aren't many to pick from. All of these are still currently active.
Walker Zimmerman (United States) – Defender
Scored Nashville's first ever MLS goal.
Alex Muyl (United States) – Winger
Was traded to Nashville from New York Red Bulls.
Holds the record for most appearances (170)
Hany Mukhtar (Germany/Sudan) – Midfielder
The club's first Designated Player
Top goal scorer of all time (76).
Won the MLS MVP in 2022.
Sam Sturridge (England) – Forward
Has 14 goals and 2 assists since transferring from Nottingham Forest in July 2023.
Geodis Park is the largest soccer-specific stadium in the U.S.
It hosted the 2024 MLS Next finals.
The club's colors of electric gold and wavelength blue reference Nashville's flag.
The vertical lines on the crest are said to reference sound waves (I personally don't see it).
Their supporter group are known as The Roadies (yes another music reference) and was founded back 2014.
9W – 9D – 16L for 36 points.
13th in the Eastern Conference; 25th overall.
They did not qualify for the postseason for the first time in the club's history.
After the sting of missing the playoffs, the club traded three players (Sean Davis, Shaq Moore, Randall Leal [DP]), put one (Woobens Pacius) on loan and dropped ten others.
Gastón Brugman (Uruguay) – Midfielder
Part of a player swap for Sean Davis.
The 32-year old was the 2024 MLS Cup final MVP.
Edvard Tagseth (Norway) – Midfielder
Former Liverpool academy player who transferred from Rosenborg.
Bryan Acosta (Honduras) – Midfielder
The final piece in a triumvirate that looks to address stability and creativity in the midfield.
Nashville will host New England Revolution on Feb. 22
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