Nashville SC battles back to earn draw against FC Cincinnati in 2021 MLS season opener

Fans came to Nissan Stadium on Saturday to watch Nashville SC kick off its 2021 MLS season against a team that has placed bottom of the Eastern Conference two straight seasons.

What fans witnessed was not a dominant performance, but a two-goal comeback.

FC Cincinnati’s two new designated players, Luciano Acosta and Brenner, each scored within the first 13 minutes. A goal from Nashville’s own designated player, center forward Jhonder Cádiz, sliced the lead in half with a tap-in goal in the 20th minute, before Randall Leal helped seal the 2-2 draw in the 63rd minute.

"I think we can safely say we've got caught cold," coach Gary Smith said of Cincinnati's quick start. "There can be some reasons for that, but the bottom line is, Cincinnati started better than us. What I will say is, beyond our opening 10 or 12 minutes, we were not only the better team, but we absolutely dominated every facet of the game."

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Saturday was Nashville and Cincinnati's first meeting in MLS, but their fifth overall, including their time in the USL Championship. All but one meeting has ended in a draw.

Here are some observations from Nashville’s season opener:

Jhonder Cadiz starts season with a goal

As central midfielder Anibal Godoy dribbled down the middle of the field, Cádiz followed him on the right. Godoy passed to Leal on his left, who crossed the ball to Cádiz for the tap-in goal.

Center forward CJ Sapong replaced Cádiz in the 61st minute to make his Nashville debut — a substitution, Smith said, that was always a consideration, given that all center forwards for Nashville battled injuries in preseason.

"There were times in preseason where I was wondering if we'd actually ever forward fit and available for us for this opening game," Smith said. "We've had all sorts of problems to deal with."

Cádiz sustained an ankle injury in the first week of preseason. Forwards Daniel Rios (right foot) and Dominique Badji (adductor) were ruled out. Abu Danladi (left hamstring) was listed as questionable. Smith commended the Venezuelan forward after the match for working his way back to full fitness.

"I said to him (Cádiz) before the game, 'Look, attack it. Get what you can out of it while you're out there. Have an impact on the game. Let's make sure we get the very best out of you'. And he did that," Smith said.

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Nashville shatters 2020 records

It took Nashville 10 matches in 2020 to score multiple goals in a game. Leal’s goal into the top right corner in the 63rd minute made it happen much earlier this season.

Nashville’s defense solidified after Brenner scored the penalty in the 12th minute, as Cincinnati did not record another shot on goal.

Meanwhile, Nashville set new MLS franchise records with 13 shots on goal — the previous record was seven  — and also had 14 corner kicks, three more than it had in any match last season.

Randall Leal saves the day...again

When asked after the match about his game-tying goal, and whether he intended to shoot or cross the ball to a teammate, Leal smiled.

"I think the most beautiful goals comes when you want to do another thing," Leal said, admitting the cross was the intention. "Of course I wanted to cross, but the ball moved towards the target. But this was OK for me."

More fans at Nissan Stadium

The Backline Supporters’ Collective returned to Nissan Stadium in great numbers. The seating capacity reached 40%, which overshadows the maximum of 15% percent reached after COVID-19 protocols were implemented during Nashville SC matches in 2020.

A total match attendance was not announced.

For stories about Nashville SC or Soccer in Tennessee, contact Drake Hills at DHills@gannett.com. Follow Drake on Twitter at @LiveLifeDrake. Connect with Drake on Instagram at @drakehillssoccer.