Last year’s runners up will make their 2024 Leagues Cup debut as Nashville SC hosts Mazatlán FC at Geodis Park in a group East 5 matchup.
However, with last week’s loss to New England in the books, Los Cañoneros will have to storm “the Castle” for at least one point to keep their Leagues Cup dreams alive.
The 2024 MLS regular season has turned into a nightmare for Nashville SC. Their 26-goal output is second-fewest in MLS and they are in a six-game tailspin in league play where they have been outscored 16-3, and are in danger of missing the postseason for the first time ever.
Enter BJ Callaghan, who was introduced as Nashville’s new coach last week. Callaghan was an assistant at Philadelphia and was also the interim coach for the U.S. Men’s National Team in 2023, where he led them to a Concacaf Nations League title.
Now at Nashville, Callaghan promises a more direct, possession driven attack.
“We want to be a team that plays forward, dictates the tempo, plays free.” Callaghan said in his introductory press conference last week.
Callaghan will get his first chance to move his pieces against one of LIGA MX’s legendary coaches: Victor Manuel Vucetich. Vucetich has won trophies for eight different clubs in LIGA MX, and is best known for his tenure at Monterrey — where he won two league titles, three Concacaf Champions Leagues, and has a street named after him.
His work is certainly cut out for him at Mazatlán, where he was named head coach in May. Los Cañoneros have not won a match since April, only have one point to start the LIGA MX season, and have a minus-6 goal difference. But if there is anyone who can turn things around, why not the coach who is called Rey Midas (King Midas)?
Keep on Eye On
Nashville’s scoring chances. They have had problems scoring goals, but not generating chances. Their -10.09 difference in expected goals is third-worst in MLS.
Mazatlan’s Defense. They may have only allowed the lone goal against New England, but Mazatlán’s 13 goal chances allowed are second most in LIGA MX.
Players to Watch
Hany Mukhtar — Nashville. The 2022 MLS Golden Boot winner only has five goals to his credit this season, and has scored just once in his last 10 matches, a penalty kick versus Miami.
Édgar Yoel Bárcenas — Mazatlán. The Panama international is the most active Mazatlán player in the attacking third, leading the squad in touches, shots, shots on goal, and goal chances created.
