For the fourth time in the last seven games, Nashville FC was unable to tally a goal, as they fell to the Knoxville Force in a physical game, 1-0. The loss dropped the boys in Gold to 3-6 in NPSL Southeast Division play and 5th in the division at 9 points.
Nashville dominated play early by keeping the ball in their attack. On Knoxville’s first trip into the attacking zone, a handball by Nashville gave the Force a penalty kick. In the 10th minute, NFC goalie Erik Furseth initially got his fingertips on the shot, but the ball dribbled into the back of the net to give Knoxville the 1-0 lead. The teams would trade possession for most of the half, with Nashville’s best opportunity coming on a cross from Yuji Callahan sailing just out of his teammates’ reach. The teams would go into the locker room with a 1-0 lead for Knoxville.
The Force would open the second half with heavy pressure, but were unable to tack on another goal. From then on, Nashville would control the possession and create more opportunities. However, balls would either sail, be intercepted by Knoxville players or get saved by the Force goalkeeper. The minutes ticked away and Nashville was unable to finish their many opportunities in the second half. Neither team received much help in scoring by ways of the referee, who allowed play to continue to play.
“We created enough chances to win the game,” said Coach Kyle Roelke. “It was tough getting a [penalty kick] called on us in the first half. We played well enough to win the game. We’ve got to figure out what forward line we’re going to go with [and] who’s going to score goals for us.”
Nashville FC closes out their regular season this Saturday against the Birmingham Hammers, who are coming off a draw with New Orleans.
