Nashville SC vs. Minnesota United | 2020 MLS Match Preview

Injury-plagued Nashville host Loons to open Week 16

NSH-MIN Week 16

2020 MLS Regular Season – Week 16
Nashville SC vs. Minnesota United
Nissan Stadium – Nashville
October 6 â€“ 8:30 PM ET


STREAMING: MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US; on DAZN in Canada


LOCAL TV: FOX Sports North, MyTV30


Nashville SC put a three-match unbeaten streak on the line when they take on Minnesota United for the first time in club history Tuesday night at Nissan Stadium.


Nashville SC (4W-5L-5D) are just above the playoff line in the Eastern Conference following a 0-0 draw against the New England Revolution, while Minnesota United (6W-5L-4D) are fourth in the West after defeating FC Cincinnati, 2-0, Saturday night. 


Nashville SC


Joe Willis made five saves, four after halftime, to frustrate the Revs and earn a road point for Nashville SC with a 0-0 draw at Gillette Stadium Saturday night. Nashville’s best chance to take all three points came earlier in the second half on a free kick that changed direction after deflecting off Brandon Bye, but Matt Turner lunged to his left to get a touch.


"The big ask today against a good side, against a confident side, a team that had been in good form here on a very difficult surface, was to make the game as difficult as possible and play with some real passion," Gary Smith said after the match. "I think the character of the group shone through tonight and I'm absolutely delighted with a road point and a clean sheet."

Nashville SC vs. Minnesota United | 2020 MLS Match Preview - Project Starting XI
  • Updated team roster
  • Injury Report:
    • OUT: Jimmy Medranda (D) - hip injury
    • OUT: Ken Tribbett (D) - calf injury
    • OUT: David Accam (M) - undisclosed injury
    • OUT: Dom Badji (M) - undisclosed injury
    • OUT: Daniel Rios (F) - undisclosed injury
    • OUT: Anibal Godoy (M) - undisclosed injury
  • Suspended: None
  • Suspended after next caution: None
  • International duty: None


Minnesota United


Kei Kamara scored his first goal for his new club, burying a first-half penalty kick, to help lead the Loons to a 2-0 home win over FC Cincinnati Saturday night. Just after  Dayne St. Clair denied a point-blank header by Jurgen Locadia, Kevin Molino doubled Minnesota's advantage as the Loons secured a second consecutive clean sheet.


"I think he's one of the best young, if not the best, goalkeepers in MLS if he keeps improving, keeps listening to people who have been doing this for a long time," head coach Adrian Heath said of St. Clair. "He has a very bright future. At no stage were we worried about bringing him in. I know one or two people were thinking did we need another goalkeeper, but all along I thought he was going to be good enough, and he's proving that."

Nashville SC vs. Minnesota United | 2020 MLS Match Preview - Project Starting XI
  • Updated team roster
  • Injury Report:
    • OUT: Tyler Miller (GK) - hip injury
    • OUT: Ike Opara (D) - undisclosed injury
    • OUT: Luis Amarilla (F) - undisclosed injury
    • QUESTIONABLE: Greg Ranjitsingh (GK) - undisclosed injury
    • QUESTIONABLE: Ozzie Alonso (M) - undisclosed injury
  • Suspended: Chase Gasper (D)
  • Suspended after next caution: Michael Boxall (D)
  • International duty:  Jan Gregus (M)


Series Matchup at Nashville SC


  • This is the first all-time meeting between Nashville SC and Minnesota United


Officials


  • Referee: Joseph Dickerson
  • Assistant Referees: Corey Parker, Adam Garner
  • 4th Official: Kevin Broadley
  • VAR: Hilario Grajeda