It was too perfect, that pass by Randall Leal of Nashville SC put him in such an open area that Alan Winn had to have turned away.
Maybe it was. But the flag stayed low as Winn ran forward, the grass and the goalkeeper in front of him, an undeniable formality to make as he approached, he threw his foot back.
Aimless footprints are built at times like these, but not to pass after the poor Alan Winn. Such a comical flaw in the 73rd minute was ridiculously normal for Nashville SC, a team that has been an expert at getting problems in sorting the games in which it does. don’t score a passal.
Tuesday night’s 0-0 draw with Minnesota United at Nissan Stadium was special, as it was nashville SC’s first home game since the start of the season on February 29 that enthusiasts were able to watch. after weeks of crickets.
As for the actual game, though, it’s a copy of the ones Nashville has played all season, packed with remarkable defense and no-hitting offense.
On Tuesday he scored the club’s consecutive goalless draw. The lack of objectives can be explained simply by a series of injuries between the offensive players, who necessarily left the squad without a genuine striker, if that hadn’t happened all season.
Nashville also did not score much in smart physical fitness, and the continued lack of offensive firepower went from boredom to the defining failure of a strangely forged expansion team.
“The initial desire is the one we all see.
In 15 games, Nashville scored 11 goals together, one position above the back of the MLS, and in seven of those games, he scored not at all.
That would be enough to sink the top teams, but with Nashville, that’s not because the defense has been outstanding, allowing only 14 goals, sixth maximum productive in MLS.
For his credit, Nashville tried to scratch his itch. About a month ago, general manager Mike Jacobs added designated player Jhonder Cadiz, a Venezuelan striker from Benfica, Portugal. Cadiz could be a long-term response, but with seven regular-season games. Staying, he’s running out of time for the 2020 team.
He faced the long process of foreign resettlement and quarantine. Although he is now in Nashville, Cadiz has not played since March and is still getting fit to be “ready to compete at a moderate level,” Smith said Tuesday night.
“He’s following in his footsteps right now, ” said Smith. ” He works hard. We would like to review to speed up the organization and be in a position for us as soon as possible. “
At this point, if it’s me, I’m not sure I care if Cadiz is completely fit or not.
Whether he’s him or not, he has to step in soon. Weakness is so evident in a team with prospects now, not just in the future.
The midfield is good. He’s excellent.
Central defenders Walker Zimmerman and Dave Romney are enjoying seasons. Goalkeeper Joe Willis is in the fireplace and now spends 181 consecutive minutes without fitting in.
“He’s one of the league’s defensive teams right now,” Smith said, “not just for an expansion team. “
Tuesday’s draw placed Nashville eighth in the East Conference in a season in which 10 groups will reach the playoffs. It’s close, but Nashville may lose a place in the playoffs in the first year in what will be an exciting run for the pennant of a final stretch, with each and every major game.
To be even in this position, Nashville is already with the money from home, having exceeded expectations in its first MLS season.
He also has an ace up his sleeve, in Cadiz.
While it’s hard to see this team advance in the playoffs if it can’t score more goals, the opportunity is there, as long as Nashville doesn’t feel it.
Contact Gentry Estes at gestes@tennessean. com and Twitter @Gentry_Estes.