MLS Nashville SC

GEODIS Preview: Boys in Gold Face the Five Stripes in GEODIS Park Southeastern Showdown

Published on April 28, 2023 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Nashville SC News Release


The homestand continues.

After two consecutive home results against LAFC and San Antonio FC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Nashville SC continues its run of home matches with a Major League Soccer matchup against rivals Atlanta United on April 29. The Boys in Gold host the Five Stripes at GEODIS Park in another chapter of the southern soccer rivalry that dates back to Nashville's MLS debut match in February 2020.

In Nashville's last league match played against defending MLS champions LAFC, Hany Mukhtar netted his first home goal of the season. The reigning Landon Donovan MLS MVP will look to do more of the same this Saturday at GEODIS Park against Atlanta United.

You won't want to miss any of the matinee action. Tickets are still available here. Can't make the match? Watch for free on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app. Learn more and sign up.

Date: Saturday, April 29

Time: 12:30 p.m. CT

Location: GEODIS Park (Nashville, Tenn.)

TV: Watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV or FOX.

Radio: 104.5 The Zone and the 104.5 The Zone App

The History - Nashville owns a 3W-2L-3D record against Atlanta United across MLS and U.S. Open Cup play. The Boys in Gold will look for their first league win over Atlanta at GEODIS Park following last season's 2-2 draw. Nashville has also remained undefeated in the last seven matches between the two sides.

When asked about the rivalry between the two sides, head coach Gary Smith admitted it's been "a terrific one."

"They obviously put us in our place first game of the first season in front of 60,000 people, and I think a lot of the players and the staff have remembered that," Smith said. "In the games we've played them subsequently, they've been very competitive. We've had some really good games at their place, and there's been some very challenging games here.

"We'll look forward to it, we'll be ready for it, we'll turn around in a confident mood, and we look forward to doing our very utmost to try and get all three points at the weekend."

Scouting the Five Stripes - Atlanta United enters the weekend in third place in the Eastern Conference, six points above the Boys in Gold, while Nashville continues to have the best defense in the league with only five goals conceded.

Through their scoring exploits, the Five Stripes are joint-top of the East in goals scored alongside the Columbus Crew with 18. However, the Five Stripes have conceded a joint-high 13 goals in the East so far this season. Head coach Gonzalo Pineda and his squad are also coming off a loss to USL Championship side Memphis 901 FC in the U.S. Open Cup.

"They're a hugely talented team," Smith said. "There's a lot of respect for what they are able to put on the field. This year in particular, with probably a more healthy and fresher group, I think you're seeing some fabulous football. It will be hugely challenging. Atlanta have game changing players. Almada and Araújo have been fantastic."

Load Management and a Quick Turn Around - Smith acknowledged the short turnaround that both sides are facing after the midweek U.S. Open Cup matches.

"It's a short week, of course, in terms of preparation," Smith said "I'm sure they'll be feeling exactly the same. Given tonight's exploits, and by that, I mean the likes of Jack [Maher] and Daniel [Lovitz] have shared the game, and Alex [Muyl] having 45 minutes, and Jacob [Shaffelburg] only playing an hour. I think the balance of minutes those guys now having got over a very difficult hurdle leaves them in a good position and me in a good position to pick a competitive but reasonably fresh team."

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