Blog Post

The DR Kid • January 21, 2025

There's a whole lot to unpack about Nashville SC's upcoming season. Let's dive into what's cooking with our favorite soccer club.

BJ Callahan's Bold Vision: 50 Goals or Bust
First things first - our head coach BJ Callahan just dropped a bombshell in his first presser of the year. The man's aiming for Nashville to bang in 50 goals this season. For context, we scored 38 goals last year, and we haven't even cracked 40 in our MLS history. Talk about setting the bar high! But you know what? Maybe that's exactly what we need right now.

The Great Midfield Makeover
If you've been following Nashville SC, you know our midfield needed some serious work. Well, folks, it looks like Mike Jacobs heard our prayers because we're looking at basically a whole new crew in the middle of the park. Gone are the days of predictable backwards passing - we're talking about bringing in some serious talent here.

The standout addition? Edvard Tagseth. This guy's being described as a "truffle pig" who can sniff out opportunities on the field. Add in veterans like Gaston Brugman (hello, MLS Cup MVP!) and Bryan Acosta with his 107 MLS appearances, and suddenly our midfield is looking pretty stacked.

New Additions:
Edvard Tagseth: Described as a "truffle pig" for his ability to find opportunities.

Gastón Brugman: MLS Cup MVP, bringing experience and quality.

Bryan Acosta: Veteran with MLS and CONCACAF experience.

Youth Integration:
Patrick Yazbek: brought in midway through the 2024 season. Part of the new generation of midfielders.

Isaiah Jones: Homegrown talent getting a chance to shine.

Defensive Reinforcements
Jeisson Palacios: Experienced defender with Colombian national team experience.

Notable Departures
Nashville SC has parted ways with several key players:

Randall Leal: Contract bought out

Aníbal Godoy: Contract option declined

Shaq Moore and Lukas MacNaughton: Traded for General Allocation Money

What We Lost (And Why It Might Be Okay)
Alright, let's talk about the elephant in the room - yeah, we lost a TON of familiar faces. Leal, Godoy, Davis, MacNaughton, Moore... I know, I know, it feels like half the team just packed up and left! But here's the real talk - maybe this isn't such a bad thing? Like, we all loved Leal's absolute bangers (when they actually went in), but let's be honest - you can't help the team from the medical room, and that's where he spent most of his time. And sure, Godoy and Davis brought that veteran presence, but our midfield was about as creative as a brick wall most days. As for Moore, fantastic player, but that salary could probably pay for two or three new guys who might actually fit what Coach Callaghan wants to do.

Look at it this way - we're basically hitting the reset button. Fresh faces, new ideas, and maybe, just maybe, we'll finally see some actual attacking soccer instead of just passing it around the back for 90 minutes. Yeah, it might be a bit messy at first, but I'd rather watch a team trying to score goals than whatever we were doing last season!

The Backline Situation
Let's talk defense, because 2024 was... rough. We went from being fortress Nashville to giving up nearly double the goals from 2023. 

Ouch.

 Our midfield was basically a revolving door, leaving our backline exposed, and losing Walker Zimmerman to injury didn't help either.

Enter Jeisson Palacios. Sure, some are calling him just a depth piece, but this is a guy with Colombian national team experience. He's smart, reads the game well, and could be exactly what we need to plug those defensive holes. Plus, having a veteran like him around our younger defenders? That's huge.
Between Palacios, a healthy Zimmerman, and BJ's new system, we might just get back to being that lockdown defense everyone hates facing.

Games to Circle on Your Calendar
February 22nd - Season opener against New England at GEODIS. Time to set the tone!
March 8th - Portland at GEODIS (Barbie Day, but more importantly, revenge game)
April 5th - Charlotte FC, time to show them who really runs the South
October 18th - Decision Day against Miami at GEODIS (hopefully with plenty on the line!)

The Bottom Line
This isn't just a rebuild - it's a complete restructure of how Nashville SC wants to play soccer. BJ Callahan is clearly building something new here, focusing on progressive football and actually, you know, scoring goals (novel concept, right?).
Will it all come together? Well, that's why we play the games. But one thing's for sure - this ain't your 2024 Nashville SC anymore. The pieces are there for something exciting, even if it might take a little time to click.

Whether you're optimistic, skeptical, or somewhere in between, February 22nd can't come soon enough. See y'all at GEODIS!
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By SF Doom August 21, 2023
Yo, it's SF DOOM on the mic, bringing you the illest recap of a soccer showdown that had the whole city vibing. If you missed it, buckle up. This tale's got more twists than a dope rhyme. Let's set the stage: Nashville SC, the crew that many wrote off, squaring up against the glitzy powerhouses of Inter Miami. And the lead act for Miami? None other than the GOAT, Lionel Messi. The masses had their bets set – surely, the underdogs wouldn’t stand a chance against such global royalty. But, like in any classic hip-hop battle, never underestimate the underdog with a flow and heart. The energy at the stadium? Straight fire . When Messi stepped on our turf, the boos hit harder than a bass drop. Not out of disrespect – the man’s a legend – but because Nashville ain’t about to be overshadowed on home ground. And when our very own MVP, Hany Mukhtar made his entrance? The stadium echoed with shouts of praise, a true testament to the love we've got for our squad. No denying, Messi hit us with that lyrical flow of his, netting one for Miami. Coach Gary Smith said it best, “ The goal he scored was incredible...I don't know too many teams who have limited Messi to 2 shots ” Then, our brother Fafa Picault, came through, laying it down with a header that spoke volumes, tying it up. The drama wasn’t over. Penalties. Yo, 11 rounds of pure suspense. The kind that keeps you at the edge, heart pounding, waiting for the beat drop. Miami's keeper sealed their chapter, but we walked out with heads high. Here's the kicker: this ain't a story of defeat. Nah, it’s about rising, about resilience, about staking a claim. From overlooked to center stage, Nashville's soccer journey is turning heads. So to every die-hard NSC fan, the saga continues. Wear that jersey with pride. Keep that energy up. ‘Cause while Nashville's rhythms set the world dancing, our soccer moves are about to become legendary. Before I sign off, let's drop some bars on what's next for the NSC fam. This newfound electricity, this raw, pulsing beat we’ve felt? It's only the pre-chorus. We've set our sights on the grand prize, the MLS Cup. They've seen us rally, they've felt our vibe, and best believe, the second half of the season will be a straight-up crescendo. When the dust settles and the turntables stop, NSC aims to be the crew holding that trophy high. To every NSC soldier out there: tighten those laces, prep those chants, 'cause we're on a mission. This city, this team, this dream - it’s all gold . Let’s get it. 🎤⚽ #EveryoneN. DOOM OUT
An image of two mixtape Capos staring at the crowd
By SF DOOM August 18, 2023
Our Club is MASSIVE
By SF Doom August 2, 2023
Yo, fam! SF DOOM back with another track for y'all, this time spinning the narrative of our very own Nashville SC's journey this season. Now, I won't lie, it's been a mixed bag of records, a blend of highs and lows. But, isn't that what makes the best mixtape? Let's break down the stats. 10 wins, 7 losses, and 6 ties after 24 games - sounds like we've got more wins than losses, right? On our home turf, the story gets even sweeter with 8 wins. Our away record could use some love, but hey, who doesn't face a few challenges on the road? Nashville is currently sitting in 4th place in the Eastern Conference and 5th in the Supporters Shield. That's Top 5, y'all! The foundation is strong, the potential massive. I've seen the chatter online, the whispers in the crowd – the doubters who think that our recent losing streak defines us. But we're only halfway through the season, and it's far from over. Every great team, every legendary player, has faced adversity, but it's the response to that adversity that defines true champions. This is just our halftime, and the second half is where champions rise. And here's where you, The Mixtape 615 crew, come into play. Soccer is not just about the 11 players on the pitch. It's about the roaring stands, the passionate fans, and the unwavering support of the community. Every chant, every cheer, every flag waved in the stadium – it gives our team that extra push, that added energy. Think of this: What if every game we show up louder, prouder, and more unified than before? What if our unwavering spirit becomes the 12th player on the field? We've got the potential to change the game, to turn the tide, and push Nashville SC towards that Top 4 finish. Now, I'm asking you to band together, to double down on your love and support. Keep coming to the games. Keep the spirit alive at Mixtape 615 events. Let's make sure the players hear us, feel us, and know that we're with them through thick and thin. Adversity? It's just a stepping stone. Challenges? Just a chapter in our story. As we rally together, I have no doubt that Nashville SC will thrive, adapt, and ascend. Let’s ensure our narrative isn’t about how we faltered, but about how we came together and rose stronger. In the words of a legendary underground rapper, "Remember ALL CAPS when you spell the team's name!" Because that’s the energy we need right now. All in. All capital. All Nashville SC. To the second half and beyond, fam. Let’s ride together. Doom out!🎤🎵
By SF DOOM June 22, 2023
Yo, Nashville! SF DOOM on the beat, bringing you the freshest spin on soccer fashion from the streets of the USL Championship. Let's skip the preamble and dive straight into the sick tapestry of soccer merch that's been making waves across the country. THE RUNDOWN: 1. Oakland Roots & Oakland Soul : When you talk about the dopest soccer gear, you can't skip the Bay Area flavor that the Roots and Soul bring to the table. Matter of fact......you GOTTA start with The Bay. Imagine hyphy music transformed into fabric, and you've got the vibe. Their merch is as vibrant and energetic as an E-40 track, dripping in cultural pride and artistic swagger. But remember, dope design comes with a dope price tag! 2. Pittsburgh Riverhounds: The Riverhounds hit the list, not just for their swag but for their history. Their checkered box style is a bold, unchanging symbol of an American soccer legacy. Plus, the Adidas sponsorship doesn't hurt, because nothing says street cool like the three stripes! 3. Birmingham Legion : Get this. The Legion is rocking the merch game with a superpowered sponsor combo - Nike and Coca-Cola. It's like Jordan and Pippen on the court or Messi and Iniesta in front of goal; you simply can't lose! Their merch has the sleek design of a Nike swoosh and the universal appeal of a Coke bottle. Class, meet swag! 4. New Mexico United: Okay, this is about to get trippy. New Mexico United + Meow Wolf is like a Sa lva dor Da li painting come to life. It's a burst of color that refuses to follow the rules. Like jazz on fabric, it's all about artistic expression and free-flowing creativity. For the courage to break the mold with their Meow Wolf jersey, they secure their spot on this list! 5. San Diego Loyal : Last, but not least, we have San Diego Loyal. Their game is simplicity and style, a perfect harmony of blue tones that screams 'cali cool'. With the word "Loyal" front and center on their gear, it's a statement of identity, a pledge of allegiance to their city, and a minimalist fashion statement. There you have it , fam - the top five teams killing it in the USL Championship merch game. But before I sign off, let me drop a thought: Soccer is more than just a game, and the merch is more than just threads. It's a crossroad where sport, culture, and fashion intersect. In these jerseys, in these designs, we see a reflection of ourselves, our communities, and our stories. It's in the vibrant threads of the Oakland Roots, the proud legacy of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, the star-studded combo of the Birmingham Legion, the artistic anarchy of New Mexico United, and the minimalist cool of San Diego Loyal. As we rep these colors, let's remember: we're not just boosting a brand, we're shaping our narrative. Because the beauty of soccer, like black culture, like fashion, lies in its diversity, creativity, and the ability to make a statement. And that's how we move the game forward in our communities, one dope jersey at a time. Peace out, Nashville. Until next time, stay fly, stay proud, and keep the soccer love alive!
By SF Doom June 14, 2023
Explore how Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami impacts Nashville SC in the MLS landscape. SF DOOM breaks down the evolution Nashville SC needs to undergo to continue competing strongly. This insightful blog discusses the adaptation, ambition, and innovation necessary for Nashville SC to thrive in this changing soccer environment. Discover the importance of youth development, scouting strategies, and aggressive play style in the face of superstar signings. Join the discussion on how we can support Nashville SC in this exciting era of American soccer.
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