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Nashville SC Returns to First Tennessee Park for Preseason Friendly vs. NYCFC

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


NASHVILLE - Two days after the club unveiled its Major League Soccer crest and brand identity, Nashville Soccer Club is set to take on future MLS foe New York City FC in a preseason friendly on Friday night at First Tennessee Park.

It will be Nashville's first chance to get a look at a revamped Nashville SC roster, and a chance to see the kind of competition the club will face in MLS starting in 2020.

NYCFC Breakdown

Entering its fifth season in MLS, the 2019 NYCFC roster will look a bit different after the departure of longtime striker and captain David Villa, who had been with the club since its inaugural season in 2015. However, the team added plenty of firepower to try and replace Villa in forward Alexandru Mitrita and midfielder Keaton Parks. Mitrita joined the club permanently from Romania and brings a biting offensive attack to the squad. Parks joined NYCFC on loan from S.L. Benfica in Portugal and can bring an attacking prowess to any part of the midfield.

The team also returns a few key pieces in the midfield, including veteran Maxi Moralez and youngster Jesus Medina. Coupled with a stellar back line and a U.S. Men's National Team goalkeeper in Sean Johnson, NYCFC is a balanced, talented team that should be in the mix for an MLS Cup playoff spot once again this season. This match will be a challenge for a Nashville SC team that is hoping to compete for a USL Championship Cup title.

Nashville Notes

Nashville SC has won two straight preseason matches with a 2-1 victory over Louisville City FC at IMG Academy in Florida and a 3-0 win over Birmingham Legion FC on the road. MLS signing Cameron Lancaster got the chance to show why he was the USL's leading scorer last season with an impressive goal and overall performance against Birmingham. The club's other MLS signing, Daniel Rios, also made his preseason debut last weekend in the win.

The key to Nashville's success so far in this preseason has been the connections made between returning and new players. For example, Lancaster's goal against Birmingham came off of an Alan Winn assist.

Throughout the preseason, Head Coach Gary Smith has been rolling out various lineup combinations across different matches with most players playing just one half of any given match. As preseason begins to wind down, and given the steep competition against NYCFC, Smith may start making his lineup look more like a regular season lineup.

Coach's Corner

Head Coach Gary Smith

"It will be fantastic to be back at First Tennessee Park. We were fortunate enough to have a session there in the week, which was highly productive. The field looked in great shape. The only thing we have to worry about is the weather, but there is very little we can do about that. I think the players are excited, they are very pumped to be playing not only at home but against New York City."

How to Follow

Friday's match will be televised locally on MyTV30 and streamed online at NashvilleSC.com. Radio broadcasts will be available in English on ESPN 102.5 The Game and Spanish on El Jefe 96.7. In addition, be sure to follow along on our Twitter and Instagram pages for complete coverage. In the New York area, the match will air on the YES Network.



United Soccer League Championship Stories from February 21, 2019


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