In this edition of Oppo Research, Hudson River Blue sat down with Ben Wright of Broadway Sports Media to learn more about Nashville SC, New York City FC’s opponent on Sunday at Red Bull Arena. Here’s a preview of NYCFC vs. Nashville.
Nashville SC Overview
• League Format: LLDWW
• Record: 8W, 9D, 15L | 33 points 13th place
• Scorer leader: Sam Surridge, 11 goals.
• Assist leader: Hany Mukhtar, 8 assists
1. Injuries and defensive woes plague Nashville.
Hudson River Blues: Nashville limped into the League Cup with six straight losses and never made it out of their group. Since then, Nashville has won two of its last seven games and is all but eliminated from the playoffs for the first time since 2020. What went wrong this season?
Ben Wright: It’s more about what went wrong this season.
Gary Smith’s sacking in May was a clear sign that things were not going well, but the problems run deep. Their defense was as porous as ever. The 1.5 points allowed per game is by far the most the team has allowed since injuries to Walker Zimmerman and Lucas McNaughton have left them without players for much of the season. Hany Mukhtar’s slump since late 2023 continued through most of the year, and in the summer, Tyler Boyd tore his ACL. Despite what Nashville’s front office has said publicly, this was already a poor, one-dimensional roster that was made worse by injuries.
2. Honey Mukhtar and Sam Surridge are the only goalscorers.
HRB: Despite having talented offensive players like Sam Surridge and Hany Mukhtar, Nashville’s 34 goals are tied for the fewest in MLS. What’s causing Nashville’s offensive struggles?
BW: Mukhtar has improved greatly since Callaghan took over, contributing four goals in the last five games. Sam Surridge has been a bright spot so far this season, scoring 14 goals in all competitions despite having a very poor service for most of the year. Tyler Boyd also contributed significantly to the offense, but has been out since mid-July. They continued under Gary Smith and then interim Rumba Muntari, but their playing patterns were static, ideas were limited and they struggled to convert field positions into chances. Things are starting to improve under Callahan, but it’s going to take both time and a retooled roster to really get this up and running.
3. BJ Callahan is the right person for the job.
HRB: BJ Callahan was named Nashville’s head coach in early July. It didn’t work out for him, but do you think he’s the right person for the job?
BW: Actually, I think the performance was much better than the result.
That’s probably a low bar considering their early issues, but there’s a lot to look forward to next season. He also managed nine games in all competitions, which is far too little time to fully evaluate a manager, especially one who inherited a roster built to play a completely different style of play. I expect Nashville to see more roster turnover since the winter expansion year, and I’m optimistic that things will look much different in 2025. The good news is he’s already getting a lot out of Mukhtar and Surridge. And these two should continue to be the bedrock of the offense for several seasons to come.
4. X Factor: Honey Mukhtar
HRB: What are the X factors that could decide this match?
BW: That’s the obvious answer, Honey Mukhtar. He has been very good lately, looking more dangerous and influential, winning the ball in more dangerous areas. He’s also following a bit of history. He needs three goals in these two games to become the first player in MLS history to reach double-digit goals and double-digit assists for four years in a row.
5. Predicted score, starting lineup
HRB: Expected time: Starter? What is the final score?
BW: NYCFC won 3-2.
