Atlanta United and Nashville SC today announced that the two clubs will play a preseason friendly in the first soccer match ever played at First Tennessee Park on February 10, 2018. Nashville SC will begin its inaugural season in the United Soccer League (USL) in March 2018.
“We are looking forward to facing Nashville SC in our first preseason friendly of 2018,” said Atlanta United President Darren Eales. “Having a regional rival within driving distance of Atlanta will allow our fans the chance to see the team play early in the season. It’s an exciting opportunity for us to be the first opponent to face Nashville SC in First Tennessee Park.”
“This is the first of several preseason friendlies we will announce that will challenge our team in preparation for our inaugural USL season,” said Gary Smith, head coach of Nashville SC. “We are building a championship caliber team and will put that to the test as we face a variety of top sides that will allow us to determine how our roster performs best in a variety of game situations.”
Atlanta United will also participate in the 2018 Carolina Challenge Cup preseason tournament, which runs from February 17-24 in Charleston, S.C.