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USL Nashville SC

Nashville SC to Take on Indy Eleven in Final Preseason Game

March 1, 2019 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Nashville SC News Release


NASHVILLE - Nashville SC head coach Gary Smith has said he believes Indy Eleven will be the team to beat in the USL Championship Eastern Conference. He and Nashville SC will get their first look at Indy on Saturday at 2 p.m. at a neutral site in Evansville, Ind. The game also marks the final chance for Nashville Soccer Club to take the field before it matters, and each player will be fighting for a starting spot come the club's USL Championship season opener on March 9th.

Indy Breakdown

Indy Eleven made plenty of splashes this offseason with its acquisitions. The Indianapolis-based side signed 20-goal scorer Thomas Enevoldsen, USL all-time leading scorer Dane Kelly and defending USL Cup champion Ilija Ilic to bolster its forward ranks. Indy also went out and signed former FC Cincinnati players Kenny Walker, Tyler Gibson, Paddy Barrett and Evan Newton. That quartet was a part of the core that led Cincinnati to a USL Championship record point total and 23-game unbeaten streak in 2018. All of those premier acquisitions have led many to speculate Indy as one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference alongside Nashville, Louisville City and others.

Results haven't come easy in the preseason for Indy, however. While Eleven did beat FC Cincinnati, now an MLS side, 3-2, it is the team's only win of the preseason. Indy started out the preseason with a 0-0 draw against Butler University and have recently suffered back to back losses against USL League One teams, Forward Madison FC 0-1 and Lansing Ignite FC 1-2.

Nashville Notes

While Indy has struggled to gain positive results against teams at lower levels, Nashville SC has taken care of business against teams at or below the USL Championship bar. Nashville moved its preseason record to 3-2-0 with a convincing 4-1 victory over Lipscomb University on Wednesday night. Nashville also has garnered wins over fellow USL Championship sides Louisville City FC and Birmingham Legion FC.

The neutral site game at the University of Evansville on Saturday will hold some special importance for two members of Nashville SC's technical staff. General manager Mike Jacobs and assistant general manager Ally Mackay both have ties to the university. Jacobs was an assistant coach for two seasons then head coach for nine years of the men's soccer program, leading the team to six winning seasons. Mackay was a player for Jacobs for three seasons.

Coach's Corner

Head Coach Gary Smith

"The weekend's game, whilst it's a preseason game, will give us a very good look at Indy and will give us good reflection of the strength of USL and where we are at. I have seen some really nice things so far in preseason. You always see some inconsistencies, and there are always some guys who are still using that final week or 10 days to get themselves where they need to be. We won't be far away at the weekend from what a starting lineup might look like, and I am looking forward to it. Should be a very tough game."

How to Follow

Fans can follow @Nashville SC on social media for live updates and highlights throughout the match and can look forward to a postgame report on NashvilleSC.com.

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