Know Your Foe: Nashville SC

History 

Nashville SC’s history starts in the 2nd division of the American soccer pyramid in the USL Championship in 2016. After acquiring the team’s name, logo, and color scheme, Nashville’s new ownership group had its sights on MLS. 

The formal bid to bring an MLS franchise began in January 2017. Businessman John Ingram bought a majority stake in the ownership group of Nashville and headed the bid to bring MLS to Tennessee. And by the end of the year, MLS announced that Nashville would be awarded the expansion slot. 

Nashville would begin play in 2020 and despite the challenges of being a new club in addition to playing during a global pandemic, they made playoffs in their inaugural season. They managed to win two playoff matches but ended up getting eliminated by the would-be 2020 MLS Cup champions, the Columbus Crew. 

The club would build off their inaugural’s season success and follow it up with a 3rd place finish in the Eastern Conference the following year. They made short work of Orlando City in the first round but lost to the Philadelphia Union in the Conference Semifinals. Nashville’s built an early culture of success and it continues in the 2022 season.

Present 

With the addition of Charlotte FC this season, Nashville was temporarily moved to the Western Conference. But that wasn’t the only significant change this year for them, Nashville have a new home after the construction of their soccer-specific stadium was completed in early May.

But it came at the cost of having to play their first eight matches away from home. They currently sit in 6th place in the West with a record of seven wins, five losses, and six ties. But regardless of their mixed record, Nashville remain as one of the most difficult teams to play against in MLS. 

Key Players 

Hany Mukhtar: The German number 10 had his breakout year in 2021 when he scored 16 goals and assisted 12 to become an MVP candidate in his second year in the league. He’s continued where he left off from last season and is having another stellar season in 2022 with nine goals and five assists. 

Walker Zimmermann: The back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year has been a rock for Nashville since they acquired him for their inaugural season. He’s been a leader on and off the field and was recently awarded a designated player contract that is normally given to attacking stars – a testament to his influence on the pitch and importance to the team. 

Aníbal Godoy: Every successful team has an anchor in its midfield. For Nashville, it’s Panamanian international Godoy. He’s quietly become one of the best defensive midfielders in MLS and is a key piece to Nashville's defensive stability.