MLS Week 1: Nashville SC x New England Revolution Recap

The 30th edition of the 2025 Major League Soccer season kicked off last night with a matchup between Nashville SC and New England Revolution at GEODIS Park. Both teams made over 10 signings this preseason as they aim for a playoff spot after failing to qualify last year.

Nashville had a long injury report list coming into this game. Three big names were Tyler Boyd, Brugman, and Acosta. Corcoran, a midfielder, stepped up as the youngest debutant in Nashville's history.

On the Revs' side, only Carles Gil was present in the first game of the 2024 season. Six players (Feingold, Fofana, Ceballos, Yuill, Ganago, and Campana) debuted for the team in the Week 1 match.

Nashville SC x New England Revolution - Starting Lineups

NSC: Joe Willis; Andy Najar, Walker Zimmerman (c); Jack Maher, Daniel Lovitz; Tagseth, Corcoran, Wyatt Meyer, Alex Muyl; Hany Muhktar and Sam Surridge.

Coach: B.J Callaghan

NE: Ivacic; Brandon Bye, Mamadou Fofana, Ceballos, Ilay Feingold; Jackson Quill, Alhassan Yusuf, Carles Gil (c), Luca Langoni, Ignatius Ganago and Leo Campana.

Coach: Caleb Porter

Nashville SC x New England Revolution - Game Notes

The first half was quite balanced, especially in the first 15 minutes of the match. The first dangerous opportunity came from Nashville's forward, Sam Surridge, who received a cross from the right and, left unmarked after a defensive mistake by the Revolution, headed the ball on goal, forcing a great save from Ivacic.

The Revs had their first chance in the 25th minute when Ganago received the ball inside the box and struck with his left foot, forcing goalkeeper Willis to make a save and push it out for a corner. He also created the team's most dangerous play of the first half in the 35th minute, finding Campana unmarked inside the box. Campana took a left-footed shot, but it was blocked almost on the goal line.

Caleb Porter's team started the second half more substantial, with Yuill and Ganago creating great chances, though none truly tested Willis. After that, Mukhtar grew into the game and had some excellent opportunities, but they were either saved by the goalkeeper or went wide for a goal kick.

In the end, Mamadou Fofana capitalized on Feingold's long throw-in into the box and scored Revolution's first goal of the game, but it was disallowed due to an offside position inside the area.

What's Next for Nashville SC and New England Revolution?

Nashville travels to New Jersey next Saturday (1) to face the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena. Meanwhile, the Revs will host Columbus Crew for their home opener.