(NashvilleSC.com, 07.21.21)

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Nashville Soccer Club came away with a scoreless draw at the new home of reigning MLS Cup Champions Columbus Crew, and is now tied for second place in the Eastern Conference with 23 points.

Depth Stepping Up: With the absence of five players, Nashville’s depth continues to step up to the call in both the starting lineup and off of the bench. Defender Eric Miller made his first appearance and start of the season, along with Taylor Washington making his first start of the season. 

Willis Is What We’re Talking About: Goalkeeper Joe Willis had a career-night recording a clean sheet and seven saves, tying a career high. With his sixth shutout of the season, Willis is now tied with Philadelphia Union’s Andre Blake for the league lead. 

Loba Makes His Debut: Nashville SC newest Designated Player Aké Loba made his first Major League Soccer appearance coming on as a substitute in the 81st minute after signing with the club on July 7.

Nashville SC will return to Nissan Stadium for a matchup against rival FC Cincinnati on Saturday, July 24 at 7:30 p.m. CT. Tickets are available at NashvilleSC.com/Tickets.

Notes
  •  With the result, Nashville SC is tied for second place in the Eastern Conference
  •  Nashville SC is now unbeaten in its last six matches with the last loss dating back to June 18
  •  Nashville SC earned its sixth clean sheet of the season tonight, just three shy of tying its total from last year in the regular season
  •  Nashville SC is now 8W-3L-5D in weekday matches all-time in its MLS history
  •  Nashville SC earned its ever first point against Columbus Crew 
  •  Tah Brian Anunga and Matt LaGrassa started together in the midfield for just the second time in their careers and since Oct. 14, 2020. Starting together as holding midfielders they own a 1W-0L-1D record
  •  Dax McCarty surpassed Colorado Rapids defender Drew Moor for fourth place all-time in matches played in MLS by an outfield player with 396 matches. McCarty started at center back for the first time in his MLS career
  •  Randall Leal is tied for first in MLS in shots on target with 21
  •  Eric Miller made his first start of the season tonight and led Nashville SC in touches with 59
  •  Alex Muyl will now have a yellow card reduced after consistent good behavior. Muyl will no longer be suspended after his next yellow card
  •  Dave Romney remains the only outfield player for Nashville SC to play all 1,260 minutes of the 2021 
  •  CJ Sapong led the team in shots with three
  •  Joe Willis earned his 33rd shutout of his career and made his 150th appearance in goal which places him in 29th all-time in MLS in goalkeeper appearances