Nashville SC dropped points on the road in its first international trip of the season, losing 2-0 to Ottawa Fury. Here are the Nashville SC player ratings from that match, courtesy of Speedway Soccer Pod. You can check out their latest episode recapping this match here.
Matt Pickens – 6.5: Made a couple of saves and wasn’t at fault for either goal. Took a knock in stoppage time. Keep your eye on the injury report to see if he is listed.
London Woodberry – 5.0: His only offensive contribution was a blocked shot. Was mostly solid defensively, but picked up a really needless second yellow in the 94th minute. Was lucky not to be shown a straight red for putting his studs into Tony Taylor’s chest. He’ll be suspended for the midweek game against Atlanta.
Bradley Bourgeois – 7.0: Worked hard all night and was solid defensively, despite never looking 100 passes fit. Started grabbing his hamstring early in the first half and was forced off in the 83rd minute, forcing Nashville to play a man down. Would be shocked to see him in the squad against Atlanta.
Liam Doyle – 7.0: Had a pretty decent night. Did really well on Ottawa’s first goal to cut down Sanon’s angle and deny him the shot. Distribution was solid as always, and despite the scoreline had a good performance. With the injuries and suspension, he seems like a lock to continue starting the next few games.
Justin Davis – 6.0: Was an attacking threat down the left all night, putting in some good crosses and completing 84 percent of his passes. However, he gave the ball away really sloppily just outside his own box, directly leading to Ottawa’s second goal.
Taylor Washington – 5.5: Started on the right wing, and played as a number 10 to start the second half. Replaced by Tucker Hume after 60 minutes. Largely ineffective going forward, but then again so was the entire attack.
Matt LaGrassa – 7.0: Unfortunate to have one of his best performances in what may have been the worst result of the season. Was obviously more comfortable in a central role, saying “I am able to be more influential there.” Completed 83 percent of his passes and had a team-leading four shots. He sees space really well.
Michael Reed – 6.5: Looked less comfortable without Akinyode partnering him, but still created a team-high two chances. However, he often found himself occupying the same spaces as LaGrassa. Picked up a knock to his ankle and was replaced by Ryan James after 70 minutes.
Ish Jome – 5.5: Worked hard and got into some good spots. Beat his man on the dribble a few times, and had a shout for a penalty turned down in the first half. His end product in the final third still tends to disappoint. Like the rest of the attackers, mostly ineffective.
Brandon Allen – 5.0: Had one touch in the box all night. Managed a decent shot from it, but still… not good enough. Probably should’ve taken the penalty kick instead of Winn, though. Decided to stop marking Manella for Ottawa’s opening goal and left Davis isolated with two attackers. Frustrating.
Alan Winn – 5.0: Had three shots and created two chances, but looked really uncomfortable in a central role and eventually moved over to the right wing. Ended up taking the penalty kick in the 82nd minute, and hit the bar. Blew an opportunity to get three points on the road.
SUBS
Tucker Hume – 5.0: Replaced Washington in the 60th minute. Didn’t manage a shot. A very anonymous performance.
Ryan James – 6.0: Replaced the injured captain after 70 minutes. Pretty solid in possession. Not flashy, but not bad.
Kosuke Kimura – 5.0: Replaced Jome in the 79th minute, in what seemed to be a clear indication that Smith was settling for a draw. Played right midfield until Bourgeois went off injured, when he moved back to right back.
Manager
Gary Smith – 5.0: Was hurt by the lack of Mensah and Akinyode, but his team was not set up to create chances. His substitutions were conservative as well, leaving Moloto on the bench when the game sorely needed some creativity. Has to figure out a way to create more chances and get better results if Nashville wants to make the playoffs.
