Nashville SC took on Columbus Crew in a closed-door friendly on Saturday afternoon in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Columbus requested that no score updates be published from the match, leaving little information to be had.
The XI
BJ Callaghan's first-choice group is continuing to take shape. Center back Jeisson Palacios got his first start of the preseason as he continues to work towards match fitness, replacing Jack Maher who missed the match with a flu-like illness.
Put Brugman in for Acosta and this could easily be Nashville's first-choice XI.
— Ben Wright (@benwright.bsky.social) 2025-02-08T19:38:20.069Z
With Gastón Brugman still working back from injury, Bryan Acosta got yet another start in midfield. Chris Applewhite replaced Palacios at halftime, with Taylor Washington and Jacob Shaffelburg replacing Dan Lovitz and Alex Muyl shortly after. A full line-change occured around the 75th minute.
Brian Schwake played ahead of Xavier Valdez in goal. Wyatt Meyer partnered Applewhite in the center, with Washington and Josh Bauer at outside back. Ethan O'Brien and Matthew Corcoran played in midfield, with an attacking group of Benji Michel, Adem Sipić, Jacob Shaffelburg and Jonny Pérez rounding out the side.
On the pitch
While the final score is not being officially revealed, Adem Sipić did score a goal late in the second half. The 18-year-old home-grown received a low cross from Shaffelburg before turning, hesitating, and burying the ball in the back of the net.
Video of 18-year-old forward Adem Sipić's goal against Columbus Crew earlier today. 🎥 Nashville SC
— SixOneFive Soccer (@sixonefivesoccer.com) 2025-02-09T02:10:53.870Z
The goal is Sipic's second of preseason, after bagging one in their 3-0 win over the U.S. National Team U-20s.
The big picture
Callaghan was complementary of his group following the match.
"Playing against a really well-coached, veteran, experienced team like Columbus, they presented a lot of challenges for us," he said after the match. "I thought the players were able to respond really well, put in a good shift, create some moments to create goal-scoring chances. Another step forward in what we're trying to do as we build our identity before the opening match on the 22nd."
Callaghan also gave an update on his squad's fitness with the season opener just two weeks away.
"Gastón [Brugman] and Julian [Gaines] continue to recover from minor injuries," he said. "We just need to be really safe thinking of the long-term, so I would say they have not returned to team training, but there is some introduction of long-field stuff."
Teal Bunbury again did not participate. The 34-year-old forward underwent surgery in the offseason, and has not featured for Nashville yet in preseason.
"Teal's back in team training," said Callaghan. "I would say a long way of recovery, but he is in team training."
Post-match media
Up next
Nashville take on D.C. United on Wednesday at 10 am CT in their final friendly in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. They'll then head to Austin, Texas, to wrap up their preseason with a friendly against Austin FC at Q2 Stadium on Saturday at 2 pm.
Nashville SC will also launch their 2025-26 secondary jersey at a special release party in Franklin, TN, on Saturday at 1 pm CT.
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