Nashville SC got their first win of the 2026 preseason on Friday, with goals from Hany Mukhtar, Woobens Pacius and Warren Madrigal powering them past the Colorado Rapids in a 3-1 win.
The XI
Head coach BJ Callaghan made a handful of changes to the lineup, bringing in Jack Maher for Jeisson Palacios, Matt Corcoran for Patrick Yazbek, and giving Ahmed Qasem a run-out ahead of Alex Muyl.
Here's how Nashville SC line up for their preseason friendly against Colorado Rapids Schwake; Lovitz, Woledzi, Maher, Nájar; Tagseth, Corcoran; Qasem, Mukhtar, Espinoza; Surridge
— SixOneFive Soccer (@sixonefivesoccer.com) 2026-01-23T15:37:45.585Z
The 'Yotes made a shift change at halftime, bringing in an entirely new XI for the second half. Bryan Acosta and Patrick Yazbek formed the midfield duo, while Woobens Pacius was partnered up top by Warren Madrigal, who just recently arrived in camp after receiving his visa.
Shift change for Nashville. Willis; Knight, Williams, Applewhite, Bauer; Acosta, Yazbek; Muyl, Pérez; Pacius, Madrigal
— SixOneFive Soccer (@sixonefivesoccer.com) 2026-01-23T16:27:34.084Z
Defender Jeisson Palacios didn't play in this match, while Patrick Yazbek only played for a short period in the second half. He was replaced by SuperDraft pick Charles-Émile Brunet, who continues to impress.
On the pitch
After their 4-1 loss to Chicago on Tuesday, Nashville SC again conceded the first goal. Darren Yapi curled a shot to the far post in the 16th minute after receiving a pass from Cole Bassett to put the 'Pids ahead.
Nashville equalized in the 36th minute through Hany Mukhtar. The 2022 MLS MVP teamed up with new attacking partner Cristian Espinoza, receiving a pass in front of goal for a simple finish.
After a stellar campaign with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, Woobens Pacius put the 'Yotes ahead in the 46th minute. His strike partner Warren Madrigal added a third in the 67th minute, giving both of Nashville's new forward options a good start to their preseason.
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Takeaways
Match fitness is progressing
Nashville continue to build up fitness incrementally. After splitting Tuesday's match into 30-minute shifts, Friday saw the bulk of players get on the pitch for 45 minutes.
"I think it's pretty standard sort of increments that we're working on right now," Callaghan told media after the match. "We look at it from a complete, whole team idea. I think we continue to move forward with our fitness and continue to monitor a couple guys as well."
Continued tactical progression
Fitness is a major area of emphasis this preseason, but ironing out tactics is equally important. Building out in possession, as well as getting organized defensively, were focal points on Friday.
"I would say the same thing that we've been working on the whole first phase here," said Callaghan. "In midfield, build up with the ball or our mid-block shape. I felt Colorado really posed some challenges to us with the things that they were doing. So it's just making sure that we are really comfortable in what we do, but adaptable to what the opponent is trying to do to us."
Partnerships are developing
Seeing Espinoza and Mukhtar link up so early in the preseason should have fans excited, as well as Pacius and Madrigal forming an effective pairing up front in the second half. Callaghan says those partnerships have already begun to strengthen, and they'll work on developing them over the rest of the camp.
"We're working on different partnerships. The Hany and Christian one, just trying to make sure that they know what spaces each other like. The timing of things and getting kind of in sync with it and then bringing Andy [Nájar] into that mix as well," said Callaghan. "With Warren and Woobens, I thought you saw two players who have pressed really well for us, sort of increased our intensity, and were rewarded for a lot of that work. And again, just finding those moments of when they can come down and link up or when they can exchange space behind."
Chris Applewhite and Thomas Williams, two youngsters, played at the back in the second half of the match. Callaghan says they impressed, but also have areas to improve on.
"I think what you saw from Chris and Thomas for today's game is a lot of bravery, their ability to carry the ball, make line-breaking passes," he said. "I wanted them to be a little bit sharper, for sure, which is fine. We can continue to get better and improve, but the starting point for where those two are in terms of bravery to play with the ball, the ability to cover space behind defensively, is a really great starting spot. I'm excited to continue to work with them."
Up next
The team is set to return to Nashville later today for the second phase of their preseason camp. They'll spend the full week at their Antioch training facility leading up to a friendly match away to USL Championship side Birmingham Legion on Saturday, January 31. That match is open to the public, with tickets currently on sale. After the match, they'll return to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, for the final phase of preseason.
SixOneFive Soccer will tentatively be on location at training for the entirety of this week, bringing you exclusive insights, interviews, and analysis as the Boys In Gold prepare for the 2026 season. We're running a special offer this preseason, where new subscribers can save 25% on a yearly membership.
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Severe weather may impact Nashville's schedule this week, as well as our ability to provide coverage. Stay tuned for updates as a significant winter storm makes its way through Middle Tennessee and much of the United States.
