Nashville SC Meets the Midweek Blues, Falls 1-0 to Tampa Bay Rowdies: Nissan Recap
May 9, 2019 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Nashville SC News Release
NASHVILLE- In the USL Championship's first-ever regular season nationally televised game, Nashville SC fell 1-0 to the Tampa Bay Rowdies at First Tennessee Park on Wednesday Night. Despite shooting twice as many times as its opponent, Nashville was unable to recover after finding itself down by one at half.
Nashville SC brought the heat early, outshooting Tampa Bay 4-0 in the first 35 minutes of play. However, it was Tampa Bay to find the first goal of the night, capitalizing on their first and only shot of the half.
Tampa Bay forward Juan Tejada got on the end of a free kick that was redirected by teammate Sebastian Guenzatti from the end line, catching goalkeeper Matt Pickens off guard. Despite promising first-half efforts, Nashville SC was unable to find an equalizer and looked to the second half for an answer.
NSC was off to a slower start in the second half than in the first. The first true opportunity in the second 45 came when Lebo Moloto took a crack on goal just minutes after entering the game in the 63'.
Daniel Ríos took his turn on goal in the 86', but his contested header went wide of the frame.
While chances created did not seem abundant in the second half, NSC's possession continued to creep up, eventually totaling 56.8 percent to Tampa Bay's 43.2 percent by the end of the game. Nashville will now turn its attention to face Swope Park Rangers on Saturday at home.
Three Takeaways
Falling Behind
When falling behind early, Nashville SC has historically struggled, and tonight was no different. The club has never mounted a comeback win after conceding the first goal of the night. Nashville SC fell behind in the 34' and was never able to put together an attack leading to a goal.
Key Stats
In typical Nashville SC fashion, the squad won the possession battle. The Boys in Gold held 56.8 percent of the possession on Wednesday. The team had more shots and shots on target than the Rowdies but were unable to take advantage of the opportunities.
Tampa Bay Woes
Nashville SC has yet to defeat Tampa Bay in the history of the club. Last season, the sides drew in Tampa and the Rowdies defeated NSC in heartbreaking fashion at First Tennessee Park. Nashville will have the chance to break to curse in August when it takes on the Rowdies in Florida.
Up Next
Nashville SC has their second home match of the week when the team hosts Swope Park Rangers on Saturday, May 11. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT at First Tennessee Park.
• Discuss this story on the United Soccer League Championship message board...
United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 9, 2019
- New Mexico's Frater Voted Championship's Player of the Month - New Mexico United
- Nashville SC Acquires MLS Midfielder Derrick Jones in Trade with Philadelphia Union - Nashville SC
- Match Preview vs. Switchbacks FC - Las Vegas Lights FC
- Forward JJ Williams Rejoins Legion FC to Take on Louisville City FC - Birmingham Legion FC
- Phoenix Rising Ready for $1 Beer Night Showdown with Rio Grande Valley - Phoenix Rising FC
- Memphis 901 FC Heads North for Friday Night Matchup against Hartford Athletic - Memphis 901 FC
- Match Preview: Streaking Toros Continue Road Action against Phoenix Rising FC - Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
- Energy FC at Austin Bold FC Tomorrow Night - OKC Energy FC
- New Mexico's Frater Voted Championship's Player of the Month - USL
- Release -- Energy FC Sign MLS Veteran, Jamaica International Je-Vaughn Watson - OKC Energy FC
- 'Moments' Elude Nashville in Loss to Tampa Bay - Nashville SC
- Switchbacks FC U.S. Open Cup Opponents Announced - Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
- El Paso Locomotive FC Receives FC Juarez's Josue Aaron Gomez on Loan - El Paso Locomotive FC
- Independence Military Appreciation Jersey Auction Now Live - Charlotte Independence
- Three Things: Nashville 0 - 1 Rowdies - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Nashville SC Meets the Midweek Blues, Falls 1-0 to Tampa Bay Rowdies: Nissan Recap - Nashville SC
- Fresno Drops Highway 99 Derby to Sacramento Republic FC - Fresno FC
- Republic FC End Fresno FC's Undefeated Start to the Season with 1-0 Road Win - Sacramento Republic FC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Nashville SC Stories
- Randall Leal Called up to Costa Rica National Team for November CONCACAF Nations League Matches
- Doolsta Excited to Compete in First International FIFA 20 Competition of the Season
- Pickens, Tribbett, Davis Named to USL Championship All-Opta First Team
- Samuel Abraham Crowned Champion of Tennessee EA Sports FIFA 20 Challenge
- Nashville SC to Auction 2019 Branded Stadium Signage with All Proceeds Going to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital