USL Nashville SC

Preview: Nashville SC Looking to Rebound against Charleston Battery on Saturday Night

August 23, 2019 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Nashville SC News Release


NASHVILLE - After suffering its first defeat in over a month at the hands of New York Red Bulls II, Nashville Soccer Club will look to bounce back with a win against Charleston Battery on Saturday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at First Tennessee Park, presented by Vanderbilt Health.

A win could launch Nashville into second place in the Eastern Conference depending on results from the Tampa Bay Rowdies and North Carolina FC.

How to Follow

Local Television: MyTV30 with John Freeman, Ronnie Woodard and Kelly Glendenning

English Radio: ESPN 94.9 Game 2 with Wes Boling

Spanish Radio: El Jefe 96.7 with Alexis Martinez and Manfred Villalobos

Digital Stream: ESPN+

Social Media: @NashvilleSC on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Last Time Out

Nashville SC dropped a 2-1 contest against New York Red Bulls II on Wednesday night. Ken Tribbett's header off of a corner kick gave Nashville the early lead, but NYRBII was able to equalize right before halftime. The second half had nearly reached a stalemate in the 65' minute when defender Forrest Lasso received a second yellow card and subsequent red card. The booking turned the tide of the match, as NYRBII was able to quickly take the lead in the few minutes after the red card. They held on to take the victory and deny Nashville SC a chance at the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

Scouting Charleston Battery

Charleston Battery currently sit in ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings with 30 points. In its last five matches, Charleston has won two, drawn one and lost two. 10 players have found the back of the net so far this season for Charleston, including three players with four or more goals. Zeiko Lewis has been Charleston's offensive spark so far this season. He leads the team in goals with six and is also the leader in shots and chances created. His 25 chances created is eight more than second-best Kotaro Higashi, who has 17. All in all, Charleston has scored 30 goals so far this season and has allowed 33. In total, Charleston has maintained just three clean sheets all season long, the third-fewest in the USL Championship.

Storylines to Watch

Kenny T's Versatility - Tribbett scored his fourth goal of the season on Wednesday night in Nashville's loss to New York. He has spent the last few matches playing in the midfield in the wake of the season-ending injury to captain Michael Reed. However, with defender Forrest Lasso suspended for Saturday's match due to the red card he picked up against NYRBII, it's possible that Tribbett will have to slip back into his natural defender role.

Lookin' For Revenge - Charleston Battery has had Nashville SC's number so far this season. In a regular season clash back in April, Charleston dismantled Nashville to win 3-1. That match is still Nashville SC's most lopsided defeat of the season. In May, the two sides squared off again in U.S. Open Cup play in Murfreesboro. In that match, Nashville and Charleston played 120 minutes of soccer to a 1-1 stalemate with Charleston moving on in penalties. The Boys in Gold will be seeking some revenge when the Battery comes to town on Saturday.

The Git Up and The Bounce Back - Historically, Nashville SC has been strong in the matches following losses. In all but two matches following defeats in the club's two-year history, Nashville has earned a win or a draw every time. Nashville will look to keep that form going on Saturday night as the Boys in Gold try to bounce back from Wednesday's defeat against NYRBII.

Tickets are available for Saturday's match, presented by Vanderbilt Health, for just $5.



United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 23, 2019


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