Preseason Report: Boys in Gold Return to Nashville for Week at Home

Nashville SC’s preseason camp entered its middle phase with a week of training at the club’s home base at Currey Ingram Academy.  

The Boys in Gold will continue to train this week before flying back to Florida for the final portion of the preseason calendar, including a handful of friendly matches.  

Here’s what the team has been up to this week:  

Teal’s Right at Home - Forward Teal Bunbury spoke with the media on Wednesday for the first time since being acquired by Nashville SC in December.  

The 12-year MLS veteran was acquired from the New England Revolution, where he had spent the last eight seasons. Bunbury says he’s happy that he ended up in Nashville, and he’s excited to be a part of a historic stadium opening in May.  

“I think I couldn't be in a better situation right now,” he said. “This organization is top notch. I didn't really set expectations on what the organization is going to be like in terms of the players and whatnot. I tend to not want to do that. But it's definitely exceeded what I thought would maybe be more difficult, such as moving with a family into a new place that I've never been to before. But all those things have been so easy to adjust to, and now it's just the fact that once you're on the field, it's something that's kind of second nature to you, but I'm extremely happy to be a part of this group.  

“Nashville SC has got a lot of fun things coming. One of the foremost things is obviously that new stadium. It’s going to be unbelievable in getting the fans involved. I know that's going to be an exciting time. So, I think it's a perfect timing for me to join this group and help in any way that I can.” 

Preparing for Friendlies - The Boys in Gold begin their slate of preseason friendlies next week in Florida, starting with a matchup against Charlotte FC on Feb. 8.  

Head Coach Gary Smith says he’s structuring his friendly slate in a different way this year, with the final two matches lasting 120 minutes to allow for more players to get extended minutes.  

“I’ve not done that before,” Smith said. “I know other teams have. I’ve always been a little concerned about having those prolonged games for the squad. My hope is that by the time we get to the final two games, I’m hoping that we are getting closer to what we might see as a starting group. Secondly, I would like to play them for the best part of maybe 70, 80, 90 minutes by the final game. That gives the rest of the group an opportunity to stay in a decent match sharpness state.” 

Packing for the Road – Nashville SC faces a daunting task as it opens the 2022 season: eight straight matches on the road.  

After overcoming adversity in the club’s first two seasons in Major League Soccer, Smith says he’s ready to ride with his group into another tough situation in year three.  

“It would be foolish of me and the group, not to mentally and physically be ready for the demands of these first eight games,” Smith said. “Unfortunately, this year, it's the complete opposite from last year where everyone's looking forward to a prolonged run at home and getting off what we all hoped would be a flying start. There are going to be plenty of competitive challenges, but I think we also want to try and put ourselves in a position where we have some targets to aim for.  

“It seems like the first three years of our existence, there's always been something that we've got to try and overcome. This year is no different, but for very different reasons. And I think if there's any group that are capable of meeting these challenges head on, I’d like to think it’s us.” 

Nashville SC continues its preseason training in Florida next week. For the full preseason schedule and information, click here.  

Come on N and be a part of history this season as Nashville SC opens its brand-new stadium on May 1. Click here to get your season tickets.