MLS
Nashville SC host St. Louis CITY SC in top-of-the-table MLS clash
Two of the best-performing sides in the league go head-to-head at GEODIS Park.
The big game in MLS this weekend sees Eastern Conference leader St. Louis CITY SC travel to Nashville SC, who currently sit second in the Western Conference.
Nashville come into the game on a nine-game unbeaten streak in the league, which has seen them pick up six wins to catapult themselves towards the top of the table. If they avoid defeat again on Saturday they will break their franchise record.
St. Louis began life in MLS in incredible form with five wins from their first five games. Their form has been a little less consistent since then but they are still top of the Eastern Conference and will look to prove themselves against Nashville.
Nashville return to GEODIS Park for the game, which will be played at the local time of 7:30pm CT (8:30pm ET, 5:30pm PT).
Joe Willis aware of St. Louis’ threat
Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis has played in every minute of his side’s MLS fixtures this season, keeping six clean sheets in 17 appearances. At 34 years old he has plenty of experience and particular expertise when it comes to this weekend’s opponents.
Willis was born in St. Louis and played high school soccer for the city’s Chaminade College Preparatory school. He got his first break in MLS with DC United in 2011 and has been a near ever-present since signing for Nashville in 2020.
Ahead of Saturday’s game, Willis told reporters that his side are very aware of St. Louis’ quality.
“They play with a lot of energy,” Willis said. “They press high. When they lose the ball, they counter press really well.
“They try to force turnovers in dangerous areas and to take advantage of that. That’s something we’ve been looking at.”
Nashville may be coming into the game on a nine-game unbeaten run, but Willis admitted that they may tweak their style of play to prevent St. Louis putting the pressure on them.
“Something we’re going to be wary of on Saturday is knowing when to play, knowing when to go a little bit longer and try and break their press. Just making smart decisions and not playing into their game plan.”