NASHVILLE, TN - Nashville SC will kick off their debut Major League Soccer campaign against Atlanta United on February 29, 2020 at Nissan Stadium.





"We are thrilled to announce that Nashville SC's inaugural match will be played right here in Nashville in front of our hometown fans," said CEO Ian Ayre. "February 29th will be a historic date for our club and we look forward to showcasing the city and our supporters to the entire league during the opening weekend of Major League Soccer's 25th season."

Casey Gower/Speedway Soccer

Atlanta United finished second in MLS's Eastern Conference in 2019, six points behind first placed NYCFC. The club boasts one of the deepest squads in the league, with players like Pity Martínez, Ezequiel Barco, and Josef Martínez, whose 72 goals in 80 matches for the club has been one of the most productive stretches in league history.





Atlanta have been one of the most successful clubs in the league since their debut season in 2017, winning MLS Cup in 2018 under Tata Martino, played a fast pace, counter attacking style. After selling their talisman Miguel Almirón to Newcastle United of the English Premier League for a reported $27 million, and bringing in Frank de Boer to replace the departing Martino, they struggled to start 2019. De Boer installed a much slower, more methodical approach to the game, and the players struggled to adapt. Midway through the season, they reverted back to a high-octane, counter attacking style, which launched them to a second place finish and a conference final loss to Toronto FC.





Nashville SC previously played Atlanta United in the first match in club history, a friendly at First Tennessee Park on February 10, 2018. Nashville's Ropapa Mensah scored the first goal in club history, but Atlanta won 3-1 behind goals from Josef Martínez, Brandon Vazquez and Romario Williams.



