After a strong run of form in Major League Soccer play, Nashville SC’s attention turns toward the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. against FC Dallas.
The Boys in Gold’s last U.S. Open Cup match came against USL Championship side San Antonio FC on April 26. That contest finished as a 1-0 victory thanks to Ethan Zubak’s goal in the 71’ minute. Nashville SC fans also witnessed a stronger connection begin to form between the first team and Huntsville City FC, Nashville’s MLS Next Pro team, when Huntsville City FC player Joey DeZart made his Nashville SC debut.
Come out to GEODIS Park and cheer on the Boys in Gold as the team looks to advance to the Round of 16. Tickets are still available here. Can’t make the match? Watch on the Bleacher Report app or Bleacher Report Football Youtube channel.
Date: Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Time: 7:30 p.m. CT
Location: GEODIS Park (Nashville, Tenn.)
TV: Watch on the Bleacher Report App or Youtube Channel
A Familiar Foe - While the U.S. Open Cup oftentimes sees matchups between MLS sides and lower division sides that don’t cross paths very often, Nashville’s next matchup comes against a familiar opponent: FC Dallas.
“For the most part, Dallas have got a very distinctive style about their play,” said head coach Gary Smith. “Last year we had a couple of excellent games against them that were very competitive. There will be a little bit of understanding and appreciation.”
Depth in the Squad – One of the key factors to a successful season for any team is depth to compete for silverware on all fronts. For Nashville SC, that depth has been tested already in the season with injuries to key players such as Randall Leal and Anibal Godoy. However, with Leal getting close to making a return according to Smith, and the recent acquisition of center back Lukas MacNaughton from Toronto FC, Nashville SC has a squad of players ready to step up and contribute.
“There will be a team out there [against Dallas] who is more than capable of winning it,” Smith said. “My hope is always that we’re bringing players in that challenge for starting positions. That means when certain individuals dip below levels that we expect, there’s someone ready and waiting, and that can only be good for any team and certainly for us.”
Seeing out the Homestand – Wednesday’s Open Cup match will be the fifth consecutive match across league play and Open Cup play at GEODIS Park. During that stretch, the Boys in Gold have scored eight goals, with six of those goals coming in the last two matches against Atlanta United and the Chicago Fire. Nashville’s defensive performances this season haven’t wavered during this stretch either. The Boys in Gold have conceded only twice and maintained two clean sheets during this run to ensure The Castle has remained a formidable home ground.
