Nashville SC vs New York City FC: MLS Preview

The Boys in Gold come into this clash in good form, having extended their unbeaten run across all competitions to nine matches following a 2-2 draw against the Columbus Crew on Wednesday. Despite twice taking the lead, Nashville were forced to settle for a point after conceding late, a result that kept them third in the East. However, BJ Callaghan’s side remain tough to beat at home, having gone five straight league games unbeaten at Geodis Park, conceding one or fewer in four of those fixtures.

Nashville have also proven dangerous when they find their attacking rhythm – they’ve earned results in 10 consecutive MLS matches when scoring multiple goals, including nine victories. Their scoring form was once again on display midweek as Sam Surridge and Hany Mukhtar found the net, with the latter continuing to provide creative spark in the final third.

Their home record against NYCFC is also spotless. In two prior meetings in Nashville, the home side has won both without conceding a goal. That recent history will give them added confidence heading into this weekend's fixture.

New York City FC, meanwhile, saw a three-game unbeaten streak abruptly halted with a 3-0 defeat away to Houston Dynamo in midweek. The loss was a jarring setback for Pascal Jansen’s men, who had previously conceded just three goals across their last seven matches before being undone by a clinical Dynamo side. Now eighth in the Eastern Conference, NYCFC are still in the playoff mix, but will be wary of losing back-to-back games for the first time since April.

Away form has been a concern for the Pigeons, who have managed just one win on the road in 2025. However, they have picked up points in each of their last two away games, and encouragingly, have yet to lose against a team currently above them in the table this season – taking 14 points from a possible 18 in such matchups.

While NYCFC have never won in Nashville, they did claim a 3-1 home victory in their most recent meeting with the Boys in Gold and have won two of the last three matchups overall. They’ll need to find that level again if they’re to avoid matching their longest losing streak of the campaign.

In terms of team news, Nashville were without Gaston Brugman midweek due to a hip issue, while Taylor Washington, Maximus Ekk, Tyler Boyd, and Julian Gaines remain sidelined with various injuries. New signing Tate Schmitt could make his debut after joining from Houston Dynamo, offering fresh depth in defence.

For NYCFC, leg injuries continue to rule out Malachi Jones, Andres Perea, Kevin O'Toole, and Jacob Arroyave. Teenage prospect Seymour Reid was added to the squad this week on a long-term deal and was an unused substitute in Houston. Pascal Jansen stuck with the same starting eleven from their recent win over Chicago, with Maximo Carrizo the only change off the bench.

With both teams pushing for playoff security and Nashville defending their unbeaten home record, Saturday night’s showdown at Geodis Park promises to be an intriguing contest in the Eastern Conference playoff race.