Building Momentum: Nashville SC’s Historic 2025 Season — and What Comes Next

By David Oglesby

NASHVILLE, TN - The 2025 season was a landmark year for Nashville SC, delivering the franchise’s first major professional sports championship in Tennessee with a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and setting a platform for sustained success. While the campaign ended with a playoff disappointment, the highs and roster moves that followed make the club’s near‑term outlook encouraging.

Season snapshot

• Regular season: 16–6–12 (54 points), sixth in the Eastern Conference — Nashville’s fifth playoff appearance in six seasons.

• Scoring: Club record 58 regular‑season goals and 75 goals across all competitions.

• Defense: 45 goals conceded (seventh‑fewest in MLS).

  
  

Offense: Surridge, Mukhtar and a relentless attack

Sam Surridge led the charge, breaking the club mark with 24 MLS goals and establishing himself as the team’s focal point in attack. Hany Mukhtar continued to provide elite production, joining the club of players who have recorded at least 10 goals and 10 assists in four separate MLS seasons. Those two, supported by midfield creativity and wing play, helped Nashville produce its most potent attacking season to date.

Defense: Balanced and steady

Nashville’s ability to marry offensive firepower with defensive structure was a defining feature. Conceding 45 goals across the regular season showed improvement from previous campaigns and helped the team stay competitive in tight matches — a balance that will be important to preserve moving forward.

Key moments and setbacks

• Silverware: Winning the U.S. Open Cup was a watershed moment for the club and its supporters.

• MLS Cup Playoffs: A 2–1 aggregate loss to Inter Miami ended Nashville’s postseason run earlier than expected and highlighted areas — particularly in depth and late‑game management — that need addressing.

• High‑profile friendly: A 2–2 draw with Aston Villa provided a useful test and confidence boost against elite opposition.

Roster moves and recruitment The front office signaled a clear approach in the offseason: evolve the squad while maintaining the club’s identity. Notable changes included the departures of longtime captain Walker Zimmerman and the decision not to pick up goalkeeper Joe Willis’s option. Those moves free resources and roster slots as Nashville pursues reinforcements.

Incoming: Maxwell Woledzi

Nashville announced the signing of Ghanaian defender Maxwell Woledzi from Fredrikstad FK. Reports praise his ball‑carrying ability and physical profile — attributes that fit Nashville’s desire for defenders who can initiate play from the back and provide tactical flexibility. Callaghan’s scouting in Norway has precedent at the club, and earlier signings from that market have adapted well, suggesting Woledzi has a reasonable chance to contribute quickly.

Youth and internal growth The club’s academy and young signings also featured in 2025’s story. Matthew Corcoran’s breakthrough as the youngest goal contributor for the first team is one example of Nashville’s sustained emphasis on developing talent internally — an approach that can pay dividends as the roster is refreshed.

What to watch for in 2026

• Depth behind the front three: Keeping Surridge and Mukhtar productive while shoring up rotation options will be essential, especially with multiple competitions on the horizon.

• Defensive continuity: Integrating new defenders like Woledzi and replacing leadership lost with Zimmerman will test the coaching staff’s ability to maintain structure.

• Playoff mentality: Turning regular‑season success and cup triumph into deeper postseason runs remains the next big step.

  
  

Balanced take There’s cause for optimism: a historic trophy, record offensive numbers, promising young players and active recruitment. Equally, the playoff exit and notable roster turnover point to work that remains. The club’s trajectory is upward, but converting momentum into consistent playoff success and regional (Concacaf) ambitions will require careful roster construction and tactical refinement.

Bottom line

The 2025 season redefined expectations for Nashville SC. With a U.S. Open Cup title in the cabinet, attacking records set and targeted additions underway, the Boys in Gold appear well positioned to push for more — provided the club addresses depth, defensive leadership, and postseason execution heading into 2026.