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SportsMLS-leading Nashville SC hosts struggling Atlanta United
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Nashville SC, holding the best record in MLS (10-1-3, 33 points), resumes its season with a home match against struggling Atlanta United on Friday night. Nashville has strengthened its roster by signing Tunisian winger Elias Saad from FC Augsburg and 21-year-old Senegalese midfielder Famara Camara. The team boasts four All-Stars, including Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge, and ranks top five in goals scored, fewest goals against, and possession. Atlanta United (3-9-2, 11 points) sits 14th in the Eastern Conference, seven points from a playoff spot, with the league's fewest goals (14). Atlanta has added Chilean defender Paulo Diaz and Paraguayan defender Junior Alonso to shore up its defense. The match highlights a stark contrast between a title contender and a team fighting to stay relevant.
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MLS-Leading Nashville SC Aims to Extend Atlanta United’s Struggles
Publication Date: July 17, 2026
Nashville SC enters the second half of the MLS season with the league’s best record and a clear mandate to compete for a title.
Ahead of their home match Friday night against Atlanta United, Nashville has bolstered an already formidable roster by signing Tunisian winger Elias Saad and 21-year-old Senegalese midfielder Famara Camara.
Nashville’s Dominant Form
With a record of 10-1-3 (33 points), Nashville leads MLS in All-Star selections with four. The team has strengthened its attacking options by acquiring Saad from FC Augsburg of the German Bundesliga.
Key statistical highlights include:
- Goal Differential: Plus-20 (second only to Vancouver’s 22)
- Goals Scored: 31 (top five in MLS)
- Fewest Goals Against: 11 (top five in MLS)
- Possession: 55% (top five in MLS)
“We are an exciting team,” said head coach BJ Callaghan. “We are a team that wants to attack. We play exciting games.”
Nashville’s All-Star Selections
| Player | Position | Key Stats | All-Star Selections | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Hany Mukhtar | Midfielder | 6 goals, 5 assists | 5th | | Sam Surridge | Forward | 9 goals | 2nd | | Andy Najar | Midfielder | 5 assists | 2nd | | Brian Schwake | Goalkeeper | 35 saves, 6 clean sheets | 1st |
Atlanta United’s Struggles Continue
In contrast, Atlanta United (3-9-2, 11 points) sits in 14th place in the Eastern Conference, seven points out of the final playoff spot. While time remains for a push, the team has shown little indication of a turnaround.
- Goals Scored: 14 (tied for last in the 30-team league)
- Goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos: 23 goals conceded, 34 saves
- Top Scorer: Aleksey Miranchuk (5 goals); no other player has more than two.
Roster Additions for Atlanta
Atlanta has added defensive reinforcements during the break:
- Paulo Diaz (Chilean defender)
- Junior Alonso (Paraguayan defender)
Alonso, who helped Paraguay shock Germany in the World Cup round of 32, is expected to shore up the backline.
“He’ll add solidarity and stability to our backline,” said Atlanta chief soccer officer and sporting director Chris Henderson. “He’s a natural leader.”
This article first appeared on Field Level Media and was syndicated with permission.
Source
Yardbarker: SoccerWestern
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MLS-leading Nashville SC aims to extend Atlanta United's struggles