Football Season Guide

A below-par 2024 campaign saw Nashville finish 13th in the East, missing out on the playoffs for the first time in club history. Nashville struggled to create in the final third, ending the season as the second-worst attack in the MLS with just 38 goals scored in 34 games. What followed in the offseason was an overhaul, as Nashville has parted ways with as many as 13 first-team players. New signings have been brought in to beef up the roster, with the likes of Jeison Palacios, Edvard Tagseth and Andy Nájar being candidates to replace departing starters Lukas MacNaughton, Aníbal Godoy and Shaq Moore, respectively. Having joined the club back in July, former USMNT assistant coach BJ Callaghan is overseeing his first offseason preparations as Nashville’s boss. His two big bets are to help the newcomers adapt to their new surroundings and create an environment where DPs Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge can thrive following a poor 2024 term. Mukhtar is Nashville’s most valuable asset, a player able to turn the team’s attack into their main strength if he is utilised effectively. Last season, the 2022 MLS Golden Boot holder may have netted in single figures (eight goals) for the first time since 2020, but he’s still one of the best strikers in the league. The lack of creativity from the midfield may be Nashville’s main weakness this season too. Nashville struggled to create clear-cut chances for Mukhtar and their lack of quality behind the striker could prove costly again.