NASHVILLE, TN – Nashville SC played their final match before the World Cup break would be at home against New York City FC. Nashville knew going into this match that a win would keep them on top of the Supporters' Shield race heading into the break.
Nashville still had Eddi Tagseth, Patrick Yazbek, and Andy Nájar out due to injury. However, Sam Surridge was be named to the bench after missing six matches, and would come into the match late in the second half.
Ben Wright
In this match, Nashville proved again that they can grind out results and can get goals from other areas in the team. Against NYCFC, Nashville’s centerbacks were the heroes. Maxwell Woledzi and Jeisson Palacios each got a header goal in this match, providing a 2-1 win at home to hold Nashville atop the Supporters Shield standings.
Nashville’s final three games before the World Cup proved something about this roster. In this league, a club can be good, and the difference between being a good club and a great club is depth and the ability to get results regardless of scenarios.
Nashville did that. First in New England with Bryan Acosta scored a brace to give them a 3-0 win. Then back at home against LAFC on Sunday Night Soccer, all of MLS saw a vintage Hany Mukhtar performance. Mukhtar bagged a hat-trick, two goals of which were beautiful free kicks. Then this past weekend against NYCFC, Nashville called on their centerbacks to deliver, and they did!
Nashville head into the break with 33 points through 14 matches. Five other teams in MLS history have achieved this start to a season. The end result for each of those clubs? Winning the Supporters' Shield.
Ben Wright
Nashville’s next match is back at home on July 17th against Atlanta United. Friday night soccer.
This World Cup break should only help Nashville. Two months to rest from a busy first half of the schedule due to Concacaf, and with the amount of injuries they've dealt with, it will give the players a chance to fully recover and be ready when the World Cup is over to continue their dominant run in MLS.
When MLS returns, the summer transfer window will be open. Will Nashville sign anyone to strengthen their depth for a trophy push?
