Nashville SC cruised past the New England Revolution on Saturday in their MLS opener. Although they lined up in the 4-2-2-2 shape they used all last season, head coach BJ Callaghan made a few subtle changes that significantly impacted how they played.
Ben Wright
3-2-5 build up shape
The 3-2-5 build-up shape has taken over soccer since the late 2010s, and in many ways has become the standard for every team. Nashville are no exception, and they used this shape heavily on Saturday.
The way they get into this 3-2-5 shape, though, is interesting. With Warren Madrigal, a pure attacker and natural No. 9, starting on the left wing, and Cristian Espinoza on the opposite flank, they used a combination of midfielders and fullbacks to add the third player on the back line alongside Maxwell Woledzi and Jeisson Palacios.
