It probably wasn’t the way Nashville SC wanted its first regular-season game at home to go, but the Boys in Gold earned a point against Pittsburgh Riverhounds this afternoon.
A first half that saw Nashville SC dominate play but fail to put shots on net when opportunities arose was all-too familiar for fans who intently watched the preseason. The Boys in Gold controlled the game the tune of 56% possession, with a passing completion rate seven percent higher than Pittsburgh, but the Riverhounds had five shots to NSC’s one. Finding the right opportunity to pull the trigger was the same old area where the game broke down.
The second half saw a shift in tactics, though not personnel. Nashville – which had teased a 4-4-2 formation on its team sheet, but played primarily its standard 5-3-2 in the first – truly committed to that look, with left wingback Ryan James shifting up into the midfield. At the same time, striker Robin Shroot and Lebo Moloto switched to their traditional positions after Moloto had been a striker before the break with Shroot dropping into the midfield.
There were more dangerous chances in both directions in the second 45, with Matt Pickens forced to make saves on a pair of dangerous opportunities for the Riverhounds. Meanwhile, Nashville’s substitutions of Ropapa Mensah for Robin Shroot and Taylor Washington at left back (the latter of which saw Ryan James slide over to the right side and into the backline for a return to the 5-3-2 formation) in the 57th and 62nd minutes appeared to breathe fresh life into the side.
Still, a failure to turn threatening chances into actual shots continued to rear its ugly head. One of the best chances of the game for NSC saw a Lebo Moloto shot deflected out for a corner, and the ensuing set piece had a couple opportunities left wanting.
Nashville will continue experimenting with its offensive structure in order to find something that allows that play in the final third to hit on all cylinders.
Next week, it’s a trip to Bethlehem, Pa. for a road game against Steel FC. NSC returns to First Tennessee Park April 7 against Charlotte Independence.
Match events
18′ – Pittsburgh yellow card Vancaeyezeele.
52’ – Nashville yellow card Moloto
57’ – Nashville sub Mensah on, Shroot off
62’ – Nashville sub Washington on, Kimura off
66’ – Pittsburgh sub Forbes on, Holland off
68’ – Nashville yellow card Mensah
72’ – Pittsburgh sub Brett for Parkes
77’ – Nashville sub Akinyode for Lagrassa
88 – Pittsburgh sub Lubahn for Francois
Club and Country 