Nashville SC Preview - The Marko Debut and a Scramble at The Backline
We. Are. BACK!
The Revolution are finally back in MLS play, under the management of new head coach Marko Mitrović along with some new assets on the team that they acquired in the offseason.
They begin the season the exact same way they did last year, facing Nashville SC away.
This matchup is always a tough one away from home for New England as they have only beaten Nashville 1 time at Geodis Park, that being in 2024 where they beat them 2-1 with goals from Carles Gil and former Revs winger Esmir Bajraktarevic.
Tonight's match up will for sure be a tough test for the Revs as Nashville heavily improved their attack in this offseason with the signing of Christian Espinoza in free agency, along with improving their defense with the signing of centerback Maxwell Woledzi and the acquisition of Reed Baker-Whiting at wingback, despite the loss of Walker Zimmerman in free agency.
It should be a good one to watch tonight as we will see how Marko Mitrović constructs his lineup with specific tactics and formations, along with how the new acquisitions from the offseason play in Brooklyn Raines and Griffin Yow, and of course the fun of Carles Gil and Dor Turgeman.
Players To Watch
New England Revolution: Dor Turgeman
Dor Turgeman only featured for New England 3 times in the 2025 campaign after signing for the club in late August. But in those 3 appearances, he scored 3 goals and registered an assist, showing his attacking skills that he has. He is such a fun player to watch, and is someone to look out for tonight in the attack for New England.
Nashville SC: Christian Espinoza
Christian Espinoza is one of the most promising signings of the offseason within the league. Nashville got him for a free as well, making it an even better signing. Espinonza is one of the best playmakers and forwards in the MLS, and in a system such as BJ Callahans - he is one that can excel in the attack, making him one to watch tonight for Nashville.
Player Status Report
Here is the week 1 player status report for this matchup
Well, this is not ideal whatsoever. Missing 2/4 starters in the backline, with a possible 3/4, is definitely a problem in week one. Thankfully, Fofana's situation is not injury related.
A concern that comes to mind with this is Peyton Miller. The 18 year old left back has now missed 3 consecutive opening days with the Revs due to injury. Being injury prone like this early in your career is never a good sign.
These injuries open up the chance for Ethan Kohler and/or Tanner Beason to start in the defense tonight, with Will Sands being a guaranteed starter at left back tonight.
Projected Lineup
Here is my projected lineup with the roster available tonight
I unfortunately do think that Ceballos will be held to the bench tonight as precaution. It is only week one, so I do not see Mitrović risking it tonight.
I also think Griffin Yow gets the nod over Luca Langoni at RW tonight as he seemed to play more than Langoni within the preseason.
The 4-3-3 is what Marko likes to play, so that midfield is what I expect to play tonight. Polster could possibly get the nod over either Raines/Yusuf, but I just do not think that will be the case tonight.
Score Prediction
As I mentioned on the preview episode of Foxboro's Fortress, I think that this will be a 2-2 draw in the opening game.
As I said on the pod goalscorers for the game are Sam Surridge on the double as he is always a killer against us, with Peyton Miller and Carles Gil scoring.
Now of course Peyton Miller is not playing tonight, so I will change that prediction to Dor Turgeman scoring instead of Miller.
I am so happy that Revolution soccer is back, and tonight should be fun against a super talented Nashville team. Hopefully Marko can bring this Revs team back to wear they belong - in the playoffs.
