MLS Nashville SC

GEODIS Preview: Nashville SC Hits the Road to Face D.C. United

Published on May 12, 2023 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Nashville SC News Release


After a lengthy five-match homestand, Nashville SC is back on the road this weekend for a Saturday night clash with D.C. United.

During that homestand, the Boys in Gold posted a 4W-0L-1D record across all competitions with 10 goals scored compared to just two conceded. Reigning Landon Donovan MLS MVP Hany Mukhtar burst into form as well, logging two assists vs. Atlanta United before scoring a hat trick vs. Chicago Fire FC.

Now, Nashville SC will head to our nation's capital to face a D.C. United side it hasn't seen since a 3-1 victory at Audi Field on June 25, 2022. Dan Lovitz scored the opening goal in that match before Hany Mukhtar added a brace to put the match away.

Watch Saturday's showdown only on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Want to watch with other NSC fans? Join us at our watch party at The Pub in the Gulch.

Here's everything you need to know about Saturday's match:

Date: Saturday, May 13

Time: 6:30 p.m. CT

Location: Audi Field (Washington, D.C.)

TV: Watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

Radio: 104.5 The Zone

Watch Party: The Pub (400 11th Ave S)

MLS Season Pass Homepage

MLS Season Pass FAQ

400 For The Gaffer - Wednesday's 2-0 win over FC Dallas in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 was a milestone match for Head Coach Gary Smith.

The win marked 400 professional matches coached for the English manager. Smith's previous stops included fellow MLS club Colorado Rapids, English club Stevenage and American lower-division club Atlanta Silverbacks.

"The opportunity to manage this group and this team from the early days has been very fruitful, it's been a terrific relationship," Smith said. "I'm delighted to reach this milestone here with the players, staff and fans that we have. I think we're definitely building something very special. The hope is that I make 500, and if it's here, even better."

Randall's Return - The Open Cup victory also saw the return of attacker Randall Leal to the group after an extended injury absence dating back to the opening weekend of the season.

The Costa Rican played the first 45 minutes of the match before making way for Luke Haakenson at halftime. Smith said the outing was primarily about getting Leal's feet under him after such a long absence.

"It was great to see him out there, but to expect that he was going to be able to unlock a door or be the difference would have been wrong of me," Smith said. "His challenge was to get through 45 minutes and put himself in much better position for the weekend."

Scouting D.C. - The Black-and-Red enter this match in eighth place in the Eastern Conference with a 4W-5L-2D record. Two of their four wins, and two of their five losses, have come at Audi Field.

Forward Christian Benteke, who came to the club after a stint with the English Premier League's Crystal Palace FC late last season, is leading the charge with five goals on the season. Fellow designated player Taxi Fountas is right behind him with three goals.

In its last five league matches, D.C. is 3W-2L-0D, including a 3-0 home win over Charlotte FC.

Check out the Nashville SC Statistics

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