Imagine stepping onto the pitch without your star striker, battling through a red card, and still managing to scrape a point in one of the toughest leagues in the world. That’s exactly what Nashville SC did against FC Dallas, and it’s a story that’s as much about resilience as it is about the harsh realities of Major League Soccer. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is a point on the road really a win when you’re a team that’s been dominating opponents left and right? Let’s dive in.
Nashville SC’s 0-0 draw with FC Dallas on February 28 in Frisco, Texas, was a stark reminder that MLS doesn’t hand out easy victories—especially not on the road. Even for a team that had outscored its opponents 11-1 in the first three games of the season, this match was a wake-up call. Defender Dan Lovitz summed it up perfectly after the game at Toyota Stadium: ‘We play to win every game, regardless of where we are, but this one was tricky. It wasn’t the cleanest or prettiest game—it was combative, and that showed in how it played out.’
And this is the part most people miss: Nashville’s shutout was their first in 17 games against MLS opposition, dating back to July 2025. While the defense had reason to celebrate, the attack faced a different story. Without Sam Surridge, their ailing star striker and MVP finalist, Nashville struggled to find their rhythm. Coach B.J. Callaghan pointed out that Dallas’s back five presented a challenge they hadn’t encountered yet. Adding to the complexity, Callaghan switched the formation from a 4-2-2-2 to a 4-3-3, with Matthew Corcoran joining Eddi Tagseth and Patrick Yazbek in midfield. ‘Matt did a great job controlling the middle, distributing the ball, and trying to open up the game,’ Callaghan noted. ‘Eddi and Patrick’s deep runs in the first half really created opportunities for us.’
But here’s the kicker: despite having 56% possession, Nashville couldn’t convert their chances. From the 70th to the 80th minute, they had three golden opportunities, with Hany Mukhtar leading the charge and Cristian Espinoza by his side. Yet, not a single shot found the back of the net. Corcoran’s second yellow card in the 84th minute all but sealed their fate, leaving them with just one point. ‘Cristian knows he should have finished those chances,’ Callaghan said. ‘But we’ll keep putting him in those positions—he’s got the talent to deliver.’
Nashville’s 4-1 victory over the New England Revolution in their MLS opener and their wins against Atletico Ottawa in the CONCACAF Champions Cup had set high expectations. But this draw with Dallas served as a reality check: the season won’t always be smooth sailing. ‘We’re far from a finished product,’ Callaghan admitted. ‘But there’s a lot to build on.’
Here’s the controversial question: Is Nashville’s inability to finish against Dallas a one-off, or is it a sign of deeper issues in their attack? And how will they adapt without Surridge in the lineup? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a discussion worth having. For more insights, you can reach Jacob Shames at jshames@gannett.com or follow him on X/Twitter @Jacob_Shames.
