After starting the season with a bang, Nashville SC settled for a nil-nil draw against FC Dallas last Saturday. While there were chances for both sides, neither seemed particularly exceptional in attack.
This was the first time Nashville SC were shut out in MLS regular-season play since their game against Atlanta United in late August last year. Perhaps what is more concerning for the Boys in Gold is that they could only muster a 0.51 xG (per American Soccer Analysis), their lowest in MLS since facing San Diego FC in July 2025.
Valair Shabilla
It's only the second game of the season, and Nashville were missing DP striker Sam Surridge, so there isn't a major cause for concern yet. However, if Nashville want to be considered amongst the elites in MLS, these are the games they have to win.
Is the 4-3-3 doomed?
Head coach BJ Callaghan opted to set up Nashville in a 4-3-3, a rare but not new occurrence. Callaghan attempted this shape a few times last season, most notably against Inter Miami in the first round of the playoffs.
Nashville have yet to thrive in this shape, especially in attack. While maintaining 53% possession, the players seemed unable to translate that possession into chances. In the final third, they were only able to play the ball out to the sides, and rarely did they go through the middle. Some of that certainly had to do with Dallas's compact 5-3-2 shape and organization, but the Boys in Gold didn't do much to disrupt that.
