One of NSC’s best talents will be plying his trade elsewhere for the time being: goalkeeper CJ Cochran has been loaned to USL Western Conference side Fresno FC.
Cochran joined Nashville SC from Oklahoma City Energy this offseason, but has been stuck behind stalwart Matt Pickens (also the goalkeeping coach for the Boys in Gold) so far in 2018. He has made two appearances, both in the US Open Cup. He went the distance in a shutout victory over Inter Nashville, punching one cross away and facing zero shots on goal, and made two saves while allowing one goal against Mississippi Brilla FC. He also contributed in five of the club’s six preseason matches, with a start against Ottawa Fury.
The terms of the loan agreement were not disclosed, as is typical within USL. It is expected that the former OKC Energy keeper (Cochran also played for NSC coach Gary Smith with the Atlanta Silverbacks of NASL in 2015) can make an impact with Fresno.
The Foxes currently boast a 3-4-7 record, and are four points out of the Western Conference playoff positions. A poor defense – with 18 goals against, they’re giving up 1.29 per game – has been one of their weaknesses to date. Kyle Reynish has played every league minute for Fresno, saving 66.7% of shots faced. Cochran may be able to improve on that performance (or at the very least his presence can motivate Reynish to step up).
Given that Cochran’s departure is a loan – and that USL contracts are typically one-year terms – he can be expected back by the end of the year.
Club and Country 