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MLS Nashville SC

Nashville SC Hosts Reigning MLS Cup Champions LAFC

April 21, 2023 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Nashville SC News Release


Nashville SC returns to GEODIS Park on April 22 for the fifth home match of the season, hosting current defending champions Los Angeles FC.

After falling short against NYCFC on April 15, the Boys in Gold will return home hungry to get three points in front of a home crowd.

This will be the third-ever matchup between Nashville and LAFC, and the first since Nashville's 1-0 win in the City of Angels at BMO Stadium on Decision Day in 2022. A second-half goal by Teal Bunbury secured the win for the Boys in Gold in that match.

Nashville SC joins adidas and MLS in a mission to end plastic waste. This weekend, all clubs across the league will wear 2023 One Planet Kits, made entirely out of Parley Ocean plastic, re-imagined plastic waste intercepted from beaches and coastal communities. You can get our One Planet Kit at the Nashville SC Team Store or online at MLSStore.com.

Additionally, the first 10,000 fans through the gates at GEODIS Park will receive a Walker Zimmerman bobblehead courtesy of Renasant Bank. It is the first player bobblehead in Nashville SC history. Gates open at 6 p.m. CT, so make sure you arrive early to get your bobblehead.

With four straight home matches coming up across all competitions, Nashville SC will look to build momentum and a strong home form starting this weekend. You won't want to miss any of the action at GEODIS Park. Tickets are still available here. Can't make the match? Watch exclusively on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

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

Date: Saturday, April 22

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. CT

Gates: 6 p.m. CT

Location: GEODIS Park (Nashville, Tenn.)

TV: Watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

Radio: 104.5 The Zone

Bounce Back Mentality - Nashville SC will be looking to respond after a 2-1 defeat on the road at NYCFC last weekend. Head Coach Gary Smith says that his team is showing its typical resilience after a loss.

"As per usual, the guys have been terrific," Smith said. "After a defeat, we always expect to have some constructive discussion about what went on and why. There's a lot of reflection, of course. No one likes being on the receiving end of a defeat. That mental attitude has carried into the work this week. As we've seen on numerous occasions, this group has always been good at showing the right mindset and attitude after we've had a tough weekend. My hope is, against a very good LAFC side, we see a sort of reaction."

Strong in the Back, Building the Attack - The Boys in Gold still have the best defense in the league eight matches into the 2023 season, having only conceded four goals.

Smith says he thinks the attack will match that pace in due time.

"I don't think it's through any lack of effort at all," Smith said. "I think there's been plenty of energy and positivity within the group. But, over a period of time now, we're starting to see that there just needs to be a more concise feel and a confidence about some of the guys in front of goal. I've said on more than one occasion that I have every faith in the players that we've got in the building, and I have no doubt they'll come good."

Scouting The Champs - The defending Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup champions have picked up right where they left off this season, going unbeaten through seven matches with five wins and two draws. Forward Denis Bouanga, who was acquired midway through the 2022 season, is thriving in his first full MLS season with six goals so far, good for second-most in the league.

Smith had plenty of praise for the defending champs as they come to GEODIS Park.

"This LAFC side are a fantastic group," Smith said. "They look, to me, like the double they won last year has given them an even bigger boost. They're in a great place, they've got players that are effective in many different areas of the field, they've got experience. It's a huge challenge."

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