For the first time in almost three years the Loons are headed to the Music City for a clash in Smashville. The "Country Music Capital" and "Athens of the South" hasn't seen the Loons since the 2023 Leagues Cup, a match we would gladly like to forget. But it's a new season, the Loons have a new man in charge, a new style, and have already dropped an unbeaten team this season. From looking like they we're in a total rebuild two months ago, the Loons are starting to look like a strong challenger in the Western Conference's final full season of existence. But they will need to shut down a tenacious Nashville attack.
"They're [Nashville SC] very, very dynamic in the way they attack. They really commit the numbers forward, they have incredible movement," manager Cameron Knowles said on Friday to the media. "They are very efficient in picking teams apart when you give them space to play."
This season through four competitive matches (two in MLS, two in CCC) the Coyotes have outscored their opposition 11–1, which includes a 4–1 thrashing of New England in their MLS season opener. Minnesota's defence has continued to be top notch with the Loons only allowing two goals this season and having already snagged a clean sheet. It will be a bit different today as Michael Boxall is out for the match and will not be in his usual centre-back role. Though Cameron Knowles side does have extremely good depth at the spot and could lean on Morris Duggan or Devin Padelford to lead the back line tonight.
On the other side of the ball Minnesota United has had some decent success so far this season. Kelvin Yeboah has come off injury well, scoring two goals in two games, really pushing hard to get back to where he was in 2024. Joaquín Pereyra has started the season with two outstanding performances and has already notched an assist.
Nashville will need to shut down the Loons attack and most importantly their set pieces. MNUFC have become known throughout the league as set piece specialists, with their deadly long throws, free kicks, and corners. Not to mention Anthony Markanich somehow always finding himself open in the box. But the 'Yotes will also need to get themselves back on the scoresheet after being handed a nil-nil draw last weekend in Dallas. Striker Hany Mukhtar has played in all three matches this season, but has only scored once in those appearances.
News & Notes
For a deeper look at Nashville SC, check out our Opponent Insight story we did with SixOneFive Soccer.
Matt Corcoran is suspended due to being issued a red card (second yellow) last weekend against FC Dallas
The 2026 GAM Numbers have been dropped by MLS and the Loons are sitting on north of $4 million
Nathan Smith appointed as new Twoons assistant coach on 7 March 2026
USL Championship season kicked off yesterday, following the players protesting during the first minute of the match, due to the lack of a CBA with the league.
Three Loons on Loan will play their matches of the season today. Babacar Niang (Louisville) kicked their season off last night
Watch Parties:
- Dark Clouds & Red Loons at Black Hart of St. Paul
- TNE at La Doña (Minneapolis)
Availability
NSH | Out: Chris Applewhite (leg), Matt Corcoran (suspension) ; Questionable: None
MIN | Out: Michael Boxall (adductor) ; Questionable: James Rodríguez (contusion), Peter Stroud (illness)
Staff Predictions
- Ashle Paige: 2–1 MNUFC
- Seth Steffenhagen: 2–1 Loons!
- Michael Lake: 1–1
- Tim McLaughlin: 2–0 Nashville
- Knives Paige: 2–1 Loons
- Bridget McDowell: 3–1 Nashville
Guest Prediction
- Ben Wright of SixOneFive Soccer: 2–0 Nashville
