Nashville SC is looking to maintain its strong offensive performance when they visit FC Dallas on Saturday night.
Nashville (1-0-0, 3 points) is having its best start to a season ever, scoring 11 goals in their first three matches. They had a chance to rest key players during their recent 5-0 win over Atletico Ottawa in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, winning 7-0 on aggregate.
“We know we need to use our entire team in these tournaments,” said head coach B.J. Callaghan after the match. “We believe in all our players, and competition helps everyone improve. The new players and their performances tonight reflect that.”
Woobens Pacius and Jordan Knight, both from Nashville’s Next Pro team Huntsville City FC, scored their first goals for the senior team in the two legs. Expected to return to the lineup are Designated Players Sam Surridge (who scored two goals) and Hany Mukhtar, who also played well in Nashville’s 4-1 season opener against the New England Revolution. New signings Cristian Espinoza and Warren Madrigal are likely to play as well.
FC Dallas (1-0-0, 3 points) also began their season well, winning 3-2 against Toronto FC, with Designated Player Petar Musa scoring twice, including the decisive goal in the 74th minute. His header went past Toronto’s goalkeeper Luka Gavran.
“I see what he does every day and know the league well,” said head coach Eric Quill about Musa. “If you don’t think he’s one of the top strikers, you need to reconsider.”
Logan Farrington also contributed with a goal and an assist for Dallas.
This match will be the first meeting between the teams since June 2023, when Nashville won 2-1.