MLS Match Preview: New York City FC (11-8-5) vs. Nashville SC (14-7-5)

Venue: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
Kickoff: 5:00 PM ET
Broadcast: MLS Season Pass (Apple TV+)

Match Context

This Eastern Conference clash pits two playoff contenders in contrasting form. New York City FC is unbeaten in three and climbing the table, while Nashville SC has dropped three of its last five and is winless in its last three away matches. NYCFC sits 7th in the East with 41 points, while Nashville holds 3rd with 47 points. Both teams are known for their attacking flair, and recent meetings have delivered goals—expect fireworks in the Bronx.

Key Players to Watch

New York City FC

Santiago Rodríguez – 8 goals, 9 assists; creative heartbeat of NYCFC’s attack

Jovan Mijatović – Serbian striker with 6 goals in his last 8 matches

James Sands – Defensive midfielder anchoring transitions and pressing

Nashville SC

Hany Mukhtar – Former MVP with 10 goals and 7 assists; always a threat

Sam Surridge – Target man with aerial dominance and hold-up play

Shaq Moore – Overlapping fullback with pace and crossing precision

Head-to-Head History

Date	Result	Location
May 31, 2025	Nashville 2–2 NYCFC	Nashville
Oct 6, 2024	NYCFC 3–1 Nashville	New York
Jun 23, 2024	Nashville 1–0 NYCFC	Nashville
Apr 16, 2023	NYCFC 2–1 Nashville	New York

NYCFC is unbeaten in last 3 home matches vs. Nashville

Both teams scored in 4 of the last 5 meetings

Tactical Breakdown

NYCFC plays a possession-heavy style with fluid midfield rotations and overlapping fullbacks.

Nashville relies on vertical transitions and Mukhtar’s creativity in the final third.

Expect NYCFC to dominate the ball, while Nashville looks to counter quickly and exploit set pieces.