The 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season kicks off with a highly anticipated matchup between Nashville SC and New England Revolution at GEODIS Park in Nashville on Saturday, February 22. This clash features two teams with high expectations and star-studded lineups.
Nashville SC
- 2024 Record: 9-16-9, 13th in Eastern Conference, did not qualify for playoffs
- Key Players: B.J. Callaghan (Head Coach), Hany Mukhtar, Walker Zimmerman, Sam Surridge, Bryan Acosta
- Strengths: Nashville SC has a strong attacking lineup with Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge leading the charge. Their defense, led by Walker Zimmerman, has been solid in the past.
- Challenges: Nashville SC struggled to find consistency last season and missed the playoffs for the first time. They will need to improve their overall performance to compete at a higher level.
New England Revolution
- 2024 Record: 13-10-6, 4th in Eastern Conference, reached the playoffs but lost in the MLS Cup final
- Key Players: Sandro Schwarz (Head Coach), Carles Gil, Gustavo Bou, Adam Buksa, Brandon Bye
- Strengths: New England Revolution had a strong playoff run in 2024, reaching the MLS Cup final. They have a productive academy and a front office adept at finding undervalued targets.
- Challenges: New England Revolution struggled on the road, winning only one of their last nine MLS away fixtures not counting the playoffs. They will need to improve their away form to be successful this season.
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM ET
- Venue: GEODIS Park, Nashville, Tennessee
- Broadcast: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Team News and Lineups
- Nashville SC: The reigning Supporters’ Shield winners have turned to B.J. Callaghan to guide the team to an MLS Cup. They have added Bryan Acosta and Jeisson Palacios ahead of this season and also brought in goalkeeper Kim Jun-hong from South Korean top-flight side Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC. Their biggest departure was AnÃbal Godoy, who joined expansion team San Diego FC via free agency.
- New England Revolution: After a poor start to the 2024 season, New England Revolution hired Sandro Schwarz to maximize the team’s high-priced talent. They have lost key players like Gustavo Bou and Adam Buksa, but have added Lewis Morgan and Emil Forsberg to bolster their squad.
Key Matchups
- Hany Mukhtar vs. New England Defense: Mukhtar’s presence on the field will be a major factor for Nashville SC. His ability to create scoring opportunities and finish them will test New England’s defensive capabilities.
- New England’s Front Line vs. Nashville Defense
