After a disappointing start to their inaugural season on the road, Greenville FC hopes to rally in front of their home fans for the first time this Saturday. This will be the first opportunity for the team — and the soccer community at large — to experience the seemingly large and energetic fanbase anchored by the Mill Town Operatives.

This will be the first time in 15 years, since the Greenville Lions closed up shop in 2003, that Greenville will have the chance to witness a soccer team represent their city at this level. But the task will not be easy, as the green and gold welcome 2017 Southeast Conference Tournament Champions Inter Nashville FC to Eugene Stone Stadium.

Inter Nashville has yet to play a league game this season, but they did down the 2017 PDL Champion Charlotte Eagles 6–1 in U.S. Open Cup play Wednesday night, setting up a second round matchup with cross-town rivals Nashville SC May 16. How will these two Open Cup matches affect the team as they travel to the Upstate to open their 2018 NPSL campaign?

What to watch for

Greenville FC’s home field advantage: No one really knows exactly what the crowd will look like at this first home match. Based on attendance and participation at team sponsored events, and the following that the Mill Town Operatives have developed, it is safe to assume that the atmosphere should be electric.

No one really knows exactly what the crowd will look like at this first home match. Based on attendance and participation at team sponsored events, and the following that the Mill Town Operatives have developed, it is safe to assume that the atmosphere should be electric. Inter Nashville’s focus: Will the boys from Tennessee be basking in their big win this past Wednesday and looking ahead to their second round matchup next week? Will they possibly rest some of their big guns for this match?

Will the boys from Tennessee be basking in their big win this past Wednesday and looking ahead to their second round matchup next week? Will they possibly rest some of their big guns for this match? New faces : The starting XI for Greenville’s first match featured several new names we had not heard up to that point. More players have since been cleared to play by the league, so it is anyone’s guess as to what the starting lineup will look like.

: The starting XI for Greenville’s first match featured several new names we had not heard up to that point. More players have since been cleared to play by the league, so it is anyone’s guess as to what the starting lineup will look like. New kits: Thursday night at 13 Stripes Brewery, the team unveiled their new green home kits . We’ll get to see them on the field for the first time tomorrow, a look that fans will likely never forget.

Thursday night at 13 Stripes Brewery, . We’ll get to see them on the field for the first time tomorrow, a look that fans will likely never forget. Team chemistry: In the first half of last week’s game, Greenville looked like things had not quite clicked into place in regards to the team’s chemistry. The second half looked much improved and coach Lee Squires certainly made this a point of focus this week in training.

Inter Nashville FC’s key players

Chuka Aruh, forward: Aruh had a first-half hat trick against the Eagles Wednesday night. He was the locomotive for the high pressing Nashville offense and will be the most dangerous player on the field on Saturday.

Aruh had a first-half hat trick against the Eagles Wednesday night. He was the locomotive for the high pressing Nashville offense and will be the most dangerous player on the field on Saturday. Ivan Sakou, forward: Sakou was also a heavy contributor to the Nashville offense Wednesday, scoring a brace himself. He also set up the only goal not scored by himself or Aruh with an insane bicycle pass into the box.

Sakou was also a heavy contributor to the Nashville offense Wednesday, scoring a brace himself. He also set up the only goal not scored by himself or Aruh with an insane bicycle pass into the box. Jonathan Remond, midfield: Remond anchored the midfield and seemed to be the glue of the team. He also put up an amazing cross with perfect placement in the box for Aruh’s first goal.

Prediction

This is a tough one to call. Inter Nashville certainly has the chemistry and firepower to win this game. The big question mark surrounding their team is focus. The team’s Twitter account is already advertising Wednesday’s Nashville Derby and they have not tweeted a single thing about this game.

I think Greenville FC will look much improved with a week focused on team chemistry and with the addition of some key players. They will also have the home crowd behind them. That being said, after a difficult 3–1 loss in their opener, I am not sure they will have enough on Saturday.

Greenville FC 1, Inter Nashville FC 2.

Game info

Greenville FC vs. Inter Nashville FC, 7 p.m. Saturday, May 12, Eugene Stone Stadium.

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