Jacob Shaffelburg made his first start of the 2025 season on Saturday. The result? A 7-2 win for Nashville SC.
Shaffelburg was absolutely crucial for Nashville. Everyone knows his pace is electric – his top speed of 22.77 miles per hour was third-highest among all MLS players in the 2024 season, and would be good for second-best this year. The question for Nashville (after getting him healthy) has been how to utilize him in BJ Callaghan's system.
"He has an elite ability to run behind the back line," Callaghan said after a 3-0 preseason win against Lexington SC. "That's going to be his role. It's as simple as that. I think it's our job to put him in situations to be the best version of himself."
Jacob Shaffelburg’s new role for Nashville SC
“He’s a menace running behind the back line, but we’re trying to make it more unpredictable.”
Ben Wright
