WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: NASHVILLE SC
Welcome back to What You Need To Know, a preview for Austin FC fans to check in on their next opponent.
Opponent: Nashville SC
Kick Off time: 7:30ish Central Time
Location: GEODIS Park, Nashville
History vs. Austin FC:
Austin FC has never beaten Nashville, including losses at GEODIS Park in 2021 and 2022.
Recent Matches:
Nashville has one draw in their last eight matches (including Leagues Cup), their last win was on June 22 against NYCFC. They’ve only scored three goals in that stretch and given up 19. They currently sit in 12th place in the Eastern Conference.
Players to Watch:
Hany Mukhtar
Yes, that guy.
He’s still their best player and primary attacker, but this season has seen his form dip with only 5 goals out of 67! Shots (this is more shots and Sebastian Driussi and Diego Rubio have…combined). With how reliant Nashville is on his ability to be a one-man attack it’s easy to see how his poor season has affected their results.
Patrick Yazbek
The Australian midfielder was brought in during the summer transfer window as a U22 player. He hasn’t featured in an MLS match yet but was brought in to help a team that lacks passing acumen (3rd from last in MLS in progressive passes) and ability to sustain possession. Their hope is that his addition, along with coach BJ Callahan, can turn Nashville’s attack around.
Walker Zimmerman
The 31-year-old USMNT defender and Nashville captain when available has had an up-down season between injuries and being called up to the US Olympics roster, only featuring in only 16 matches this season.
Keys to the Match:
The Playoff Push
Now that MLS play is back we can focus on the current standings. Austin FC sit 10th in the Western Conference, 6 points out of a secured playoff spot, and also have an FC Dallas side that’s getting healthy (Jesus Ferreira and Alan Velasco returning) right behind them. Nashville is the only team left on the schedule who is not currently a playoff team and the remainder of the Austin FC schedule is a who’s who of teams expected to make playoff runs including another trip to LAFC and hosting Real Salt Lake. For Austin to play past Decision Day, three points are vital against Nashville.
STUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!
Much like the Apple TV preview, I often fawn over how great Brad Stuver is as a goalkeeper, but to use Nashville and Joe Willis/Elliot Panicco as a comparison:
Stuver is a huge reason why Austin is even sniffing a playoff spot based on what he does week to week and a big part of Rodo Borrell’s job is trying to build a defense and team where Austin is less reliant on him to be brilliant. That’s why additions like Mikkel Desler and Patrick Svatok are so important to this team.
Sickos Match of the Week
Yes, I’m talking to any and all neutrals who are thinking of watching. You don’t have to do this:
You don’t have to watch two of the three worst attacking sides in MLS play each other;
You don’t have to watch two teams that aren’t in playoff places and likely to miss out; You don’t have to watch two teams with former Gregg Berhalter assistants coaching positional play;
To all the Nashville SC and Austin FC fans who are watching, y’all are amazing fans devoting your time and energy to this sport and these clubs. I really can’t wait to be there in person on Saturday with my fellow traveling Verdes. If you see me, come and say hi.
See you at GEODIS Park!
WRITTEN BY: SCOTT SPECHT
