Very few MLS expansion teams have won their opening match, a task that becomes significantly more difficult when the opponent is a recent MLS Cup champion. Nashville SC performed well against Atlanta United on Saturday but ultimately succumbed 2-1 on an eventful night at Nissan Stadium.



Nashville’s much anticipated MLS debut featured a little bit of everything. From a pre-game guitar solo by Lzzy Hale, a well-taken game-winning goal, curious refereeing decisions and a potential season-ending injury to Atlanta United forward Josef Martínez.



The pace and physicality of the match resembled the intensity of a knockout-round playoff game. Nashville SC manager Gary Smith called it a “derby” and said that he was pleased with his team’s performance.



“They caused us some serious problems in the first half,” Smith said. “There were, I felt, some issues trying to get pressure on the ball. But as the game wore...