Venue: GEODIS Park — Nashville, Tennessee
Kickoff: 8:30 PM ET / 7:30 PM CT
Broadcast: MLS Season Pass (Apple TV)**
VENUE & MATCH CONTEXT
Stadium: GEODIS Park
Capacity: 30,000
Surface: Natural grass
Atmosphere: One of MLS’s most intimidating home environments. Nashville’s defensive identity and home‑field advantage make this a difficult trip for any opponent.
Narrative: Nashville SC enters as one of the league’s hottest teams, riding elite defensive form and efficient attacking play. D.C. United, meanwhile, is stabilizing after a rocky start but remains inconsistent, especially on the road. This matchup pits Nashville’s structure and discipline against D.C.’s transition‑heavy approach.
WEATHER UPDATE
Temperature: 73°F
Wind: 8–12 mph from the southwest
Conditions: Clear skies
Pitch Impact: Ideal playing conditions → favors organized defensive teams and structured buildup, which suits Nashville.
INJURY REPORT
D.C. United
Christian Benteke — Probable (minor ankle soreness)
Mateusz Klich — Questionable (groin)
Aaron Herrera — Out (hamstring)
Russell Canouse — Out (knee)
Nashville SC
Hany Mukhtar — Probable (rest management)
Walker Zimmerman — Questionable (hip tightness)
Shaq Moore — Out (ankle)
Aníbal Godoy — Out (hamstring)
Impact: If Zimmerman is limited, Nashville’s back line loses leadership, but their system remains strong. D.C.’s midfield depth is stretched without Canouse and possibly Klich.
RECENT TEAM FORM
D.C. United
Last 5: D–W–L–W–D
Goals For: 15
Goals Against: 16
Road Record: 1‑2‑2
Trend: D.C. is improving, but defensive lapses remain an issue. Benteke continues to carry the attack.
Nashville SC
Last 5: W–W–D–W–W
Goals For: 17
Goals Against: 7
Home Record: 4‑0‑1
Trend: Nashville is in elite form, especially defensively. Their attack is efficient, and Mukhtar is rounding into MVP‑level rhythm.
KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS
Hany Mukhtar vs. D.C. Defensive Midfield
Mukhtar thrives in pockets of space.
Without Canouse, D.C. lacks a true ball‑winning shield.
If Mukhtar gets time on the ball, Nashville controls the match.
Edge: Nashville
Christian Benteke vs. Jack Maher
Benteke’s aerial dominance is D.C.’s best weapon.
Maher must win duels and prevent second‑ball chaos.
Edge: Even
Jacob Shaffelburg vs. D.C. Fullbacks
Shaffelburg’s pace is a major threat in transition.
D.C.’s fullbacks have struggled against speed this season.
Edge: Nashville
Tyler Boyd vs. Daniel Lovitz
Boyd’s directness can trouble Lovitz, who prefers positional defending.
Boyd must be efficient in the final third.
Edge: Slight to D.C.
SERIES HISTORY
All‑Time MLS Meetings: Nashville leads 5–2–3
At GEODIS Park: Nashville leads 3–1–1
2025 Meetings: Nashville won both matches
Trend: Nashville has scored 2+ goals in 4 of last 5 vs. D.C.
BETTING TRENDS
D.C. United
BTTS has hit in 6 of last 8
D.C. has conceded first in 5 of last 7
Over is 6–4 in last 10
Nashville SC
Nashville has conceded 1 goal or fewer in 8 of last 10
Under is 7–3 in last 10
Nashville is 5–0–1 in last 6 overall
Head‑to‑Head
Under has hit in 6 of last 8
Nashville has won 4 straight at home vs. D.C.
MATCH ODDS
Nashville SC – 165
D. C. United + 400
Draw + 280
Over 2.5 – 115 Under 2.5 – 110
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 8, 2026
