NASHVILLE – Very little went right for Nashville SC in the first half of this evening’s game against Bethlehem Steel. Even a team that lost United States youth international Matt Real in the fourth minute was defensively stout against the attack of the Boys in Gold.
Things went from bad to worse – and then even worse – when NSC goalkeeper Matt Pickens was wrong-footed on a shot from distance, and Chris Nanco got the Steel on the board first. Then, Nashville midfielder Ish Jome picked up two yellow cards in the span of four minutes, leaving Nashville down a man for the rest of the contest.
All is not lost, of course: you may recall these teams played mostly to a stalemate in Bethlehem at the beginning of the season after the Steel gave up a sixth-minute red card and penalty kick. If Nashville can do the same, and nick an equalizer, it’s a whole new ballgame.
They certainly have the personnel on to do just that. Against a heavy-footed Bethlehem defense, Nashville started the speedy Ropapa Mensah and Alan Winn up top. They’re capable of producing game-breaking plays regardless of whether the team’s a man down. Now, of course, they’ll be tested in that capacity. Nashville shifted to a 3-5-1 with Jome’s departure, Winn sliding outside to the vacated right mid spot. With speed up top and down the flanks, the Boys in Gold will have to muster something on the counter-attack. The pair have linked up for some nice moments already, but will need to put the end product together to finish the job.
Starting lineups
Match events
- 6′ BST Substitution – On 43 Prosper Chiluya, off 32 Matt Real (injured)
- 23′ BST GOAL – 23 Chris Nanco (right footed), assisted by 45 James Chambers
- 27′ NSH Yellow card – 11 Ish Jome (foul)
- 31′ NSH RED CARD – 11 Ish Jome (second yellow, foul)
- 45′ BST Yellow card – 5 Oliver Mbaizo (foul)
- 45’+6 – Half time.
Club and Country 