Thanks to the wonders of testing (and the… inconsistent performance of tests for the novel coronavirus), Nashville SC head coach Gary Smith – who has since been confirmed negative for the virus that causes COVID-19 – did not travel to Dallas for tonight’s game against FC Dallas.
From Club release:
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Aug. 12, 2020) – Nashville Soccer Cub announced today that Assistant Coach Steve Guppy will take on the managerial duties for tonight’s match against FC Dallas. The decision was made after Head Coach Gary Smith was unable to travel with the team due to COVID-19 testing results that were ultimately confirmed to be negative.
Guppy was a longtime winger for Leicester City FC in the Premier League, and also played under Smith with the Colorado Rapids (where the other assistant coaches, assistant coaches Brett Jacobs and Matt Pickens, were on the staff and roster, respectively).
Tou can learn a bit more about Guppy by following the links here.
Nashville SC last hit the pitch without Smith as a USL team last Fall, when a red card against North Carolina FC saw him miss the remainder of that game in addition to the subsequent contest against Atlanta United 2. Jacobs served as the manager in his stead for both absences.
