Nashville SC took to the skies for the first time in MLS play on Saturday, where they played to a scoreless draw with FC Dallas.
It was a close, physical, and tight affair, but neither side in the end could find the finishing touch to take all three points.
Let's look at how each player performed.
• Players begin with a base grade of 6 and can increase or decrease their rating based on performance.
• Players must play a minimum of 15 minutes to earn a rating.
Brian Schwake - 7.5
Brian Schwake kept his spot between the sticks and answered every question Dallas asked of him, including a couple pretty remarkable saves.
Stock: Unchanged
Sofascore Rating: 7.6
Maxwell Woledzi - 7.0
Maxwell Woledzi returned to the starting lineup and again justified his selection with some terrific defending when called upon and good work in possession.
Stock: Unchanged
Sofascore Rating: 7.2
Jeisson Palacios - 7.0
Jeisson Palacios also returned to the lineup and, like his partner Woledzi, showed up well in defense and on the ball. A solid performance all around from both center-backs.
Stock: Unchanged
Sofascore Rating: 6.6
Dan Lovitz - 6.5
Dan Lovitz answered all the questions asked of him. He provided a consistent outlet on the left and his workrate remains unmatched.
Stock: Unchanged
Sofascore Rating: 7.3
Patrick Yazbek - 6.5
Patrick Yazbek had a solid game overall, but the most interesting aspect of his game in this one was how often the Australian found himself in the final third, and how much sooner in the buildup that happened than normal.
Stock: Unchanged
Sofascore Rating: 6.7
Andy Nájar - 7.0
Andy Nájar regained his spot in the starting lineup after being rotate in midweek Concacaf action, and again found himself the focal point of many of Nashville’s forays into Dallas’ half of the field. Ultimately, as with the whole team, a little more was required than was delivered, but it was a good performance nonetheless.
Stock: Unchanged
Sofascore Rating: 7.3
Eddi Tagseth - 6.5
Eddi Tagseth was again a non-stop motor in the middle of the park and engineered a good amount of Nashville’s attacking play throughout the game. Again, as with others, he left a bit to be desired in Dallas territory.
Stock: Unchanged
Sofascore Rating: 6.6
Matt Corcoran - 5.0
Matt Corcoran had some bright moments here and there on the ball, but unfortunately his return to Dallas was marred by a sending off following two yellow cards. The second, in particular, was needless.
Stock: Down
Sofascore Rating: 6.5
Cristian Espinoza - 6.0
Cristian Espinoza had a pretty off night by his standards. On three occasions late in the game, the Argentine got into nearly identical positions on the side of the box. He had two chances to score his first Nashville goal, or on one occasion set up a teammate, and all three chances came and went without change to the score sheet.
Stock: Unchanged
Sofascore Rating: 6.3
Warren Madrigal - 6.5
Warren Madrigal played again on the left, where he’s had success early this year, but never quite put it all together despite some bright spots. It was visibly evident his frustration grew as well, with Dallas clogging up every lane available.
Stock: Unchanged
Sofascore Rating: 6.6
Hany Mukhtar - 7.0
Hany Mukhtar was back as the focal point with Sam Surridge out, and at times looked lethal, especially on the counter. But, like a broken record, it must be said that a little more quality in the final third was required.
Stock: Unchanged
Sofascore Rating: 6.8
Substitutes
Alex Muyl - 6.5
Alex Muyl came on in the 72nd minute and got himself involved in Nashville’s buildup. As always, he popped up everywhere. His legs just never stopped moving.
Stock: Unchanged
Sofascore Rating: 6.9
Ahmed Qasem - N/A
Ahmed Qasem was a late role of the dice and had a few flashes, but couldn't turn the game on its head for Nashville.
Stock: Unchanged
Sofascore Rating: 6.7
Woobens Pacius - N/A
Woobens Pacius came on late and got in some decent areas but almost every time ended in a foul committed by the Canadian that gave the ball back to Dallas deep down the field.
Stock: Unchanged
Sofascore Rating: 6.2
Jordan Knight - N/A
Jordan Knight came on late and never really had an opportunity to accomplish much.
Stock: Unchanged
Sofascore Rating: 6.6
Josh Bauer - N/A
Josh Bauer came on for Nájar late on and also completed one tackle. There wasn’t much opportunity for anything else from Bauer.
Stock: Unchanged
Sofascore Rating: 6.8
Manager
BJ Callaghan - 7.0
Callaghan was forced to make some forced changes to the side after Sam Surridge’s illness ruled him out, and the visiting Coyotes probably created enough chances to win. They didn’t take them.
The team was also solid at the back, but did let Dallas have a few openings of their own. At the end of the day, a good-ish performance considering the unforeseen circumstances.
