B.J. Callaghan's Debut: Nashville SC vs. Mazatlán FC in Leagues Cup Showdown

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The B.J. Callaghan era at Nashville SC kicks off with a highly anticipated Leagues Cup showdown! Get ready for an exciting clash as Nashville SC faces Liga MX's Mazatlán FC at Geodis Park on Wednesday, with kickoff set for 8 p.m. CT. You can catch all the action live on Apple TV, so be sure to tune in and follow the game.

The New Chapter Begins

This match marks the debut of B.J. Callaghan as Nashville SC’s head coach. Callaghan, who took the reins on July 22, is stepping into the spotlight after serving as an assistant coach for the U.S. Men's National Team. This game is a chance for him to make a statement and guide Nashville SC to success in the Leagues Cup.

How Nashville SC Can Advance

Nashville SC is looking to make a splash in this year’s Leagues Cup. To advance to the knockout stage, they need a win against Mazatlán FC. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s at stake:

  • Win in Regulation: Nashville earns 3 points
  • Win on Penalties: Nashville secures 2 points
  • Loss on Penalties: Nashville gets 1 point
  • Loss in Regulation: Nashville walks away with no points

Mazatlán FC is coming off a narrow 1-0 defeat against the New England Revolution, so Nashville SC has a chance to capitalize on their weakened form.

Last Year’s Heartbreaker

Nashville SC had a memorable run in last season's Leagues Cup, where they fell just short in the final. The team battled hard but ultimately lost to Inter Miami in a penalty shootout, with Lionel Messi making a dramatic impact. This season, they are eager to bounce back and prove their mettle.

The Current State of Play

Unfortunately, Nashville SC’s recent form hasn’t been the best. They’ve experienced a tough stretch, having lost six consecutive games, which has dropped them to 12th place in the Eastern Conference. However, there’s hope as B.J. Callaghan takes charge and looks to turn things around.

Key Players to Watch

The team will have some fresh faces and returning stars ready for the match against Mazatlán FC:

  • Patrick Yazbek: The new midfielder added in the summer transfer window will be available for this game and could make a significant impact.
  • Sam Surridge: Nashville SC’s top goal scorer is back and healthy after missing the last game, a 3-0 loss to the Philadelphia Union on July 20.

On the flip side, Nashville SC will be missing some key players:

  • Walker Zimmerman: He’s off representing the United States at the Paris Olympics.
  • Dru Yearwood, Randall Leal, Lukas MacNaughton: All are sidelined due to injuries.
  • Tyler Boyd: Unfortunately, he’s out for the season with a torn ACL.

Mazatlán FC’s Struggles

Mazatlán FC is having a rough patch as well. They finished at the bottom of the standings in the recent Torneo Clausura, the second phase of the Liga MX season. The Apertura tournament, which kicked off on July 5, hasn’t brought much improvement either, with Mazatlán sitting near the bottom of the table after three losses and a draw in their first four games.

Game Details

Mark your calendar for Wednesday, July 31, and set your alarms for 8 p.m. CT. The match will be held at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee, and will be streamed live on Apple TV. Don’t miss a minute of the action as Nashville SC aims to make a statement under their new coach.

Betting Information

For those interested in the betting odds, here’s what the latest from BetMGM looks like:

  • Money Line:

    • Nashville SC -130
    • Draw +250
    • Mazatlán FC +270
  • Over/Under: 2.5 goals

What to Expect

This game promises to be a thrilling start to B.J. Callaghan’s tenure at Nashville SC. With a new coach at the helm and key players returning, there’s a buzz of anticipation around how the team will perform. Will Nashville SC overcome their recent struggles and advance to the knockout stages? Tune in to Apple TV and find out!

As the teams take to the field, fans will be watching closely to see if Callaghan’s fresh perspective and the newly strengthened squad can turn the tide. The stakes are high, and the excitement is palpable. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, this match is set to deliver plenty of action and drama.