USL Nashville SC

Lessons Learned and Applied for Nashville SC

Published on May 6, 2019 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Nashville SC News Release


NASHVILLE - It's one thing to learn a lesson. It's another to apply it.

On April 27, Nashville Soccer Club led at Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC 2-0 entering the 88' minute in what looked to be a historic win. Pittsburgh rarely loses at home, and never by multiple goals, and here Nashville SC was - a little more than an eye blink from solidifying an early season-defining victory and stamping itself as an Eastern Conference favorite.

What happened next was uncharacteristic and as head coach Gary Smith put it, "embarrassing." The Nashville defense allowed two goals in the final two minutes plus stoppage time and instead of a historic win, it was a draw that felt like a loss.

"I think the mentality of the group was to put behind us what happened last week," said Smith. "We played ever so well for a long period last week and didn't see it out. I think that carried over to today and it was a great appetite."

Put in the exact same situation last Saturday night - up two goals, late in the match, on the road, opposing team pressing, Nashville SC bunkered in and saw out the 2-0 win. It took a couple of gutsy blocks, one fingertip save from keeper Connor Sparrow, but Nashville did what it had to do to keep the clean sheet, and more importantly the three points.

"I am delighted to really move on from last week," said Smith. "It is easy to dwell on what happened. They have done it quickly. Another clean sheet. Now we come home for a reasonable stretch, and if we are going to cause any damage in the league this year, then we need to win at home."

Here's a scary thought - Nashville SC players thought they could have been better. While NSC didn't allow a goal, Atlanta had the ball for long portions of the second half and ended up with more shots than Nashville.

"I think we have a good defensive side," said midfielder Matt LaGrassa. "When we are a disciplined group, we are able to keep the ball out of the net, and we did that tonight. Obviously, a lot to be proud of, but still some things to work on. Even just now I've been debating with the guys about certain plays. We will take a look at the film and get better."

The Boys in Gold will get their opportunity on Wednesday night at home against Tampa Bay Rowdies on national TV on ESPN2. Tickets to the match are still available for as low as $5.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 6, 2019


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