Finally out of a lengthy slump, Nashville SC will hope to stay on the winning side when they host the Chicago Fire on Wednesday.
Nashville (7-13-8, 29 points) is coming off a 2-0 win against Atlanta United, a victory that snapped an eight-match losing streak during which it was outscored 21-3. It was the club’s first win under coach B.J. Callaghan, who was named to the role on July 3 and officially took over the reins on July 22.
“We’re a group that’s never gonna get too high, never gonna get too low,” Callaghan said Saturday. “We believe in the work that we do. … We were rewarded tonight, but it’s only as good as the next performance we put in.”
Nashville is tied with Chicago (7-14-8, 29 points) for 13th in the Eastern Conference, four points behind D.C. United for the final playoff spot with a match in hand.
Offense has been a season-long issue for Nashville SC, who sit last in MLS with 28 goals. They were shut out five times during their losing streak, including the final four matches of the skid. They’ve scored more than two goals only once all season, in a 4-1 home win against CF Montreal on May 4.
Hany Mukhtar had gone nine straight matches across all competitions without scoring a goal before tallying against Atlanta. Facing the Fire could be the fuel to get him back on track; he’s scored a hat trick in each of Chicago’s past two visits to Nashville in 2023 and 2021.
“Hany always has confidence,” forward Teal Bunbury said. “I don’t think he needs any boost. I’m glad he scored. He’s becoming a motivator. … Obviously, we’re gonna need him.”
The Fire will also be looking to pick up the three points after halting a four-match winless run (0-3-1) with a 2-1 win against the New York Red Bulls last Saturday.
Chicago played the match without midfielder Brian Gutierrez and defender Andrew Gutman, each of whom was sidelined with a leg injury. Gutierrez, who is second on the team with six goals, was a full participant at training on Tuesday and could return against Nashville. Gutman remains questionable.
Forward Tom Barlow scored his first goal of the season in the win. It was his first goal since tallying for his former team, the Red Bulls, in the MLS Cup playoffs last November against FC Cincinnati.
“It feels great,” Barlow said. “It’s been a long year, and to finally see it hit the back of the net, obviously, as a forward, there’s nothing better in the world. … And then, more importantly, though, the three points.”
–Field Level Media
