Nashville SC remains undefeated in 25 consecutive games played in the Music City, returning to GEODIS Park for a matchup against Sporting Kansas City on Sunday with kickoff at 1 am.
Since opening their new stadium 18 months ago, Gary Smith’s side has looked like a different team. They look more like the side that reached the MLS Cup final in 2021, conceding fewer goals than any other side in the league this season.
Last weekend they only conceded six shots on target, although those chances were rarely from dangerous positions. They are one of the best sides at closing down space in their penalty area, making it hard for teams to score against them.
Although they have never missed out on the playoffs during their history, nobody knows if this current group can take them to be a truly elite team.
Sporting Kansas City is experiencing some tough times in 2022. Currently the second-worst team in the league, just two points ahead of the Chicago Fire.
After contending for the top spot in their conference until the final day of the 2021 regular season, they have made history by becoming only the second team in Major League Soccer’s history to go an entire campaign without having two Designated Players (DPs) on their roster. Alan Pulido and Gadi Kinda have not seen any action this year.
Nashville vs. Kansas City Head to Head
Both sides have two games against each other, each taking one win and a draw. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Nashville 0-0 San Jose
- Colorado 1-3 Nashville
- Louisville 1-2 Nashville
- Nashville 2-2 Atlanta United
Away
- Kansas City 1-2 New England Revolution
- Kansas City 0-1 Vancouver
- Houston 1-2 Kansas
- San Jose 1-1 Kansas
Nashville SC Team News
Goalkeeper Joe Willis recorded his 44th career MLS clean sheet in their previous match, midfielder Dax McCarty appeared in his 422nd regular-season match, and Alex Muyl led the team in touches with 76.
Kansas City Team News
The team’s leading scorer, Johnny Russell, has four goals in his last four matches. Academy products Cameron Duke and Felipe Hernandez have three assists apiece. At the same time, Daniel Salloi can reach the century mark in MLS starts should he feature in the opening lineup on Sunday.
Prediction and Odds
When playing in front of their home fans, Nashville SC seems to be unstoppable. We don’t expect them to have any trouble with a Kansas City team that has been depleted both mentally and physically.
- Home Win
- Goals Under 2.5
- No Score: Away
