NASHVILLE, TN – Nashville SC couldn't get a result in their final match of the 2026 preseason, falling 2-1 to USL Championship Lexington SC in a closed-door match at Geodis Park.
Newly signed Designated Player Cristian Espinoza scored Nashville's only goal, teaming up with Hany Mukhtar for an easy finish after a sloppy giveaway from Lexington 'keeper Oliver Semmle.
Both of Lexington's goals were similarly self-inflicted. Goalkeeper Xavier Valdez, who started the match with a first-choice group, took a heavy touch in his own box and lost his footing, allowing Lexington's Marcus Epps to poke in an easy finish.
Shortly after Nashville made nine substitutions, Lexington got winner from another needless turnover. Jacob Greene won back possession and cut the ball back to Malik Henry-Scott, setting the former Huntsville City forward up for an easy goal.
The vibe check
This wasn't the cleanest performance from Nashville. Especially in the first half, they were too slow with the ball, struggling to find openings in Lexington's compact 4-4-2 block. When they did manage to find openings, the final pass was just off, with a few crosses from Espinoza going just high.
Mukhtar, Espinoza and Andy Nájar had a few moments of connection on the right, and they already seem to be developing an intuitive understanding, but were also still in preseason form.
In the second half, Nashville moved the ball better, with Eddi Tagseth and Patrick Yazbek driving the ball forward and finding openings in the final third, and Mukhtar dropped into midfield to get into pockets of space. It was much more effective, but ultimately not enough for a result.
"In the first half, I thought we were too slow with the ball and didn't move it well, and missed the opportunities in the openings that were there," said Callaghan. "I thought the second half, the tempo was better. The intensity was better. And so, you know, I think, you know, overall, it's probably a good performance in the way of some of the things that we've been working on. But at the end of the day, you know, I think guys probably still need to step up and perform at a higher level."
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Key moments
- 42' | Xavier Valdez receives a backpass but takes a heavy touch, giving away a goal to Lexington's Marcus Epps | NSH 0-1 LEX
- 55' | Lexington 'keeper Oliver Semmle is pressureed in his own box and scuffs a pass directly to Hany Mukhtar, who picks out Cristian Espinoza for an easy finish | NSH 1-1 LEX
- 80' | Nashville fail to deal with a loose ball on their left flank, with a cutback cross falling to Malik Henry-Scott for an easy goal | NSH 1-2 LEX
Lineup notes
With their Concacaf Champions Cup opener on Tuesday, BJ Callaghan started a full-strenght lineup. Xavier Valdez was the only surprise name on the team sheet, replacing Brian Schwake in goal for the first time in preseason.
We're out here for Nashville's final preseason match of 2026. Stay tuned to our socials for updates. Starting XI: Valdez; Lovitz, Woledzi, Palacios, Nájar; Tagseth, Yazbek; Qasem, Espinoza; Surridge, Mukhtar
— SixOneFive Soccer (@sixonefivesoccer.com) 2026-02-14T20:02:23.625Z
Nashville brought on Joe Willis for Valdez at halftime, as well as replacing Ahmed Qasem with Shak Mohammed. In the 75th minute, they made wholesale changes, a mix of Nashville and Huntsville players along with a handful of unsigned trialists.
A few players didn't see the field. Brian Schwake, Thomas Williams, Josh Bauer, Matt Corcoran, Bryan Acosta and Alex Muyl all took part in a light session on the pitch after the game, likely indicating an increased role for them in Tuesday's match.
Up next
Nashville kick off their 2026 campaign in earnest on Tuesday, February 17, facing off against Atlético Ottawa in the Concacaf Champions Cup. They'll return home for their MLS season opener at Geodis Park on Saturday, February 21, against the New England Revolution.
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