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USL Nashville SC

Lancaster, Rios Deliver in Win, Show Promise for MLS Future

March 13, 2019 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Nashville SC News Release


NASHVILLE - In the blink of an eye, a goalless game turned into a Nashville Soccer Club win.

Two goals in three minutes in the second half led to a dominant win in Nashville SC's USL Championship season opener against Loudoun United FC at First Tennessee Park on Friday night. The goalscorers were Cameron Lancaster and Daniel Ríos, the two Major League Soccer signings brought in specifically to improve the offense in 2019. Both delivered in a big way in their first appearance in front of the Nashville fans.

After a first half that saw Nashville SC create chances but lack the ability to finish, Smith slightly shifted the formation, moving Lancaster and Ríos into a forward pair. The move paid dividends almost immediately as Lancaster struck 13 minutes into the second half.

A corner kick from Lebo Moloto, hit short to the near post, found the head of Lancaster. The reigning Golden Boot winner slightly flicked the ball with his head towards the post, looping a shot just over the outstretched fingers of Loudoun goalkeeper Calle Brown and under the crossbar. It was the first official goal of Nashville's 2019 season, and was proof of Lancaster's knack for finding the net.

"It's a big relief," said Lancaster after the game. "As a striker, you always want to get off the mark as quickly as possible. It was a great ball by Lebo [Moloto], and thankfully I got a head on the end of it."

Not to be outdone, fellow MLS signing Daniel Ríos, doubled the tally just three minutes later. It started with a cross sent in by winger Taylor Washington, deflecting off Brown's hands and falling perfectly to Ríos. A 20-goal scorer in his own right, the former Club de Guadalajara player didn't miss on his opportunity. Ríos volleyed the spill just inside the post, cementing the three points for Nashville SC.

"It's good confidence for me, like a striker, to score goals," said Ríos following the win. "But best for the team to achieve what we want, that is three points and score goals."

Both Lancaster and Ríos immediately delivered on the expectations of both the fans and the Nashville SC coaching staff after the two signed MLS contracts in the final six weeks of the 2018 calendar year.

"They're looking to score goals, and I'm absolutely delighted that both of them have got off the mark," said Nashville SC head coach Gary Smith in his postgame press conference. "Otherwise, you can sometimes be looking and waiting for forwards to find their groove and a bit of confidence. So it's pleasing to see both of them hit the back of the net straightaway. I hope that bodes well for the future."

Fans next opportunity to see the MLS forward pair will be on Saturday against Saint Louis FC at First Tennessee Park at 7 p.m. Tickets to the game are still available and can be purchased at NashvilleSC.com/tickets.



United Soccer League Championship Stories from March 13, 2019


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