A longstanding rivalry makes its GEODIS Park debut on Saturday.
After a week away, the Boys in Gold return to Nashville this Saturday night in the third home match of the season vs. FC Cincinnati.
Four matches into the 2023 season, Nashville SC has racked up seven points – off to its best Major League Soccer start ever – sitting only one point behind third-place Cincinnati and still undefeated at home.
This is a matchup you won’t want to miss. Tickets for Saturday’s match are available here. Can’t make it? Watch it free on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app.
Here’s everything you need to know about Saturday’s marquee matchup:
Date: Saturday, March 25
Time: 7:30 p.m. CT
Location: GEODIS Park (Nashville, Tenn.)
TV: Watch Free on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Radio: 104.5 The Zone
Tickets
A-Z Matchday Guide
GEODIS Park Policies
Transportation Info
Matchday Lineup
Rivalry Comes to GEODIS Park – The rivalry between Nashville SC and FC Cincinnati goes all the way back to the clubs’ time in the USL Championship in 2018. It’s been played in four different stadiums.
It’ll become five on Saturday when FC Cincinnati visits GEODIS Park for the first time.
Head Coach Gary Smith says the rivalry has evolved over the years, but he’s certain the Orange and Blue will be hungry for their first win over Nashville SC in MLS.
“They’ve moved in a very positive direction, and they’ll be very confident,” Smith said. “I think there’s a large part of them that would like to put us in our place. I think you get that in any rivalry. We want to make sure we stay on top.”
Keep Pushing – The Boys in Gold are off to their best start since joining MLS and have won both matches at home by 2-0 scorelines.
Last weekend on the road in New England, Nashville outpossessed the Revolution, had more shots and a higher expected goals total. Despite the loss on the road, Smith says his team played well and will look to bounce back this Saturday.
“I thought the performance there was as good as we’ve seen in New England,” Smith said. “This week has been far different. Those guys have had a good week, I think the fact that we lost by the odd goal and the disappointment of that has resonated with the way that the players have worked this week. The challenge for us it to continue that form here.”
Scouting FC Cincinnati – The visitors this Saturday are one of two remaining unbeaten clubs in the Eastern Conference, alongside Atlanta United FC. Midfielder Junior Moreno and forward Sergio Santos led the way with two goals apiece.
Nashville SC owns a 2W-0L-2D record against Cincinnati all-time in MLS. Smith says he expects a tough encounter from a club that has turned a corner after making its first-ever Audi MLS Cup Playoffs appearance last season.
“The mentality around the group, some of the recruitment in the group has improved,” Smith said. “Along with that, you’ve got a couple of players that have started to blossom. They’ve got a shape, they’ve got a group and they’ve got a mentality that is far different to the first couple of years that they were in the league. They’re a good side, and it will be a challenge.”
