Nashville SC, facing FC Cincinnati, seek 4th straight win

Nashville SC are off to the best start in franchise history, and they will look to continue the strong run when they host FC Cincinnati on Saturday night.

The sixth-year franchise is looking for its fourth straight victory after opening with a draw and a loss. Nashville (3-1-1, 10 points) has outscored its opponents 8-1 during the winning streak.

Last weekend, Nashville rolled to a 3-0 victory over visiting CF Montreal.

"This is a really good example of a big team win," Nashville coach B.J. Callaghan said. "When we talk about team wins, getting off to a best start in club history, it's really nice.

"I would say this game embodies what we're trying to build, and to earn the best start in club history this way and with the contributions from a lot of guys across the team is a really rewarding feeling for the group."

The scoring has been balanced as midfielder Ahmed Qasem has two goals and six other players have one.

"We always talk about next man up, next man up," defender Josh Bauer said. "It's something we're prepared for, and I think everyone has full confidence. Those guys that are coming in definitely felt prepared."

Nashville is one of four teams tied for second in the Eastern Conference while FC Cincinnati (2-2-1, 7 points) is tied for ninth.

Cincinnati is winless in its past two MLS matches, including 2-2 home draw against Atlanta United last weekend. The Orange and Blue put in an own goal in the 88th minute to lose out on the victory.

Cincinnati has scored just six goals, and coach Pat Noonan is concerned about the lack of close-range scoring chances.

"We've talked about it," Noonan said. "I think, in certain moments, trying to force plays, when guys that are wanting to have an impact in front of goal, the decision-making hasn't been consistent. How we move opponents' back lines in the way we run to goal, that was something that we focused on post-Atlanta.

"The eye tells you and we need to do a better job of finding ways to get closer to the goal and being more patient and not forcing plays when the moment's not there."

Midfielder Evander had both goals against Atlanta and leads Cincinnati with three.

Last season, Nashville recorded a 2-0 victory at Cincinnati on May 29, and the teams played to a 2-2 tie at Nashville on Sept. 21.

--Field Level Media