Nashville SC have stuck to their defensive ways so far in the 2023 Leagues Cup, and they’ll be looking to do more of the same as they take on Liga MX giants Club America in the round of 16.
Nashville’s success in 2023 (which sees them sit fourth in the MLS Eastern Conference on 38 points) has been built largely on strong defensive and springing forward on counter-attacks. The threat of Hany Mukhtar, Fabrice Picault, Jakob Shaffelburg, (and eventually new signings Sam Surridge up front) has worked wonders for the Eastern Conference side this term.
Head coach Gary Smith has opted for the 4-2-3-1 formation throughout the MLS season and their first game in the Leagues Cup, but chose a more defensive formation in a 5-3-2 look against FC Cincinnati, who possess all kinds of attacking talent up front.
Smith’s formation change worked as Nashville edged Cincy 1-1 (5-4 on pens) and will look to do the same against Club America as they have plenty of talented attackers of their own in the form of Julian Quinones, Henry Martin, and Alex Zendejas (currently a doubt for the game with a calf injury).
That being said, Smith will more than likely select a similar starting lineup to the one that took down Nashville last Friday. Smith also confirmed that Surridge will be involved in the game in some capacity, meaning he’ll more than likely come off the bench in the second half.
GK: Joe Willis – The 34-year-old has been mostly solid for Nashville in MLS this season, but has conceded six goals in three games in the competition thus far. Willis will need his backline (that is already more defensive than most) to do their part if they want to go further in the tournament.
RB: Shaq Moore – He remains Nashville’s best option at right-back and will be called upon to deal with Club America’s threatening attack.
CB: Lukas MacNaughton – A steady and reliable hand in defense, he should get the nod at right center-back.
CB: Walker Zimmerman – If the Eastern Conference side are to progress to the next stage, Zimmerman will have to be on his game to limit America’s forwards.
CB: Josh Bauer – Perhaps one of the more underrated options in defense, Bauer has done a solid job when filling in at the left center-back role.
LB: Daniel Lovitz – Having been at the club since 2020 and making over 100 appearances, Lovitz has proven his worth time and time again as a full-back for Nashville. He’ll have his work cut out for him against America, though.
CM: Sean Davis – Like Godoy, Davis has been crucial in helping his team’s midfield tick ever since joining the club in 2022.
CM: Dax McCarty – The MLS veteran is in his fourth season with Nashville and has provided plenty of experience in the middle of the park. His leadership will be called upon in what is setting up to be a tasty encounter with the Concacaf giants.
CM: Anibal Godoy – Godoy brings tons of experience at both the club and international level alongside McCarty. He forms a solid duo in the middle of the park with the club captain McCarty.
CF: Hany Mukhtar – As expected, Mukhtar will be the key to Nashville’s success in this one. He’ll be tasked with setting up goals as well as finishing them, something he’s done exceptionally well all season.
CF: Fabrice Picault – The veteran forward has been reliable for his side, and his partnership with Mukhtar will be key when they break forward on the counter-attack.
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