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USL Nashville SC

Nashville SC Prepared for High-Stakes Clash against First-Place New York Red Bulls II

August 21, 2019 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Nashville SC News Release


NASHVILLE - After Nashville SC took down Charlotte Independence on Saturday night, midfielder Bolu Akinyode had a strong message for his teammates.

He knew that the club could move into first place in the USL Championship Eastern Conference with a win on Wednesday night against New York Red Bulls II, presented by Budweiser, and he made sure his teammates didn't forget it.

"I think we all know what's at stake," defender Taylor Washington said immediately following the win against the Independence. "Bolu [Akinyode] said it best. We walked in and we were celebrating the win and he's like, 'As soon as we're done celebrating, we focus on the game Wednesday.' Red Bulls II is a team that's always tough to beat and tough to play, but we're in great form. We've just got to keep improving and do what we need to do in training and implementing it in the games, and Wednesday should go our way."

Akinyode's attitude is indicative of a team that is fully aware of the stakes of each match, but doesn't get too far ahead of itself with big points on the line.

"We have 10 games left, and it's in our hands at this point," Akinyode said. "I think with 10 games, if we grab maximum points or as many points as we can, we're putting ourselves in a good spot to hopefully win some silverware. We can't dwell on games. They come quick and fast. Take care of one job and on to the next. That's kind of our mentality right now."

New York Red Bulls II presents a unique challenge for Nashville SC. The MLS reserve side is one of the most dynamic and quick sides in the USL Championship. With Nashville SC's reinforced defense anchored by centerbacks Forrest Lasso and Jimmy Ockford, Head Coach Gary Smith is hopeful his team can limit New York's offensive threat.

"I don't think they're ever easy to keep off the score sheet," Smith said. "They're so positive in the way that they play. They, in many cases, throw a lot of caution to the wind. The energy of the group is the foundation of the way they play. They ask an awful lot of the players going forward. It can leave them vulnerable. We saw in the game that got called off, they started like at train, went in front, looked like it could be a very tough night. But on the counterattack, they can be a bit vulnerable. When you commit as many players as they do to attacking situations, teams like ourselves can take advantage of that, there's no doubt about it. We've proved that. Our goal scoring record ourselves is admirable. In terms of keeping off the sheet, it's not often I'll say it, but as long as we win the game, I don't care how many they score."

While there are some matchups that require more of the players to get themselves in the right mindset and fully fired up to take the pitch, Wednesday night's tilt is certainly not one of them. The players are very aware of the ramifications of the match, and Smith is ready to hear First Tennessee Park roar on Wednesday night.

"Coming back home, playing against a side as good as New York, as effective as New York, top goal scoring side in the East, and the best development system in the country, probably," Smith said. "They have a pipeline of players constantly. The only difference between maybe one of the two more experienced players playing and not is of course their appreciation for the game. But it doesn't stop them being positive, energetic, forceful. The way that they play is a really difficult style to play against. The players will be well and truly amped up for this one. My only hope is that there's a lot of people there to get behind us and push us on."

Kickoff for Wednesday night's match, presented by Budweiser, is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT. Tickets are available here for as low as $5.

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