Why Nashville SC needs to improve on the road to contend in MLS in 2026
Nashville SC's 1-0 loss to the Chicago Fire marked another lackluster attacking performance away from Geodis Park.
At home, Nashville SC has looked like a true contender for the Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup. Away from Geodis Park, it has been a different story. Nashville (4-1-1, 13 points) suffered its first loss of 2026 against the Chicago Fire at Soldier Field on April 4, falling 1-0.
A road defeat to a team that made the playoffs last season isn't any cause for major concern — Nashville still has the best record and scoring differential in the Eastern Conference. But it continues a trend that's getting harder to wave away as a small sample size. In five matches at Geodis across all competitions, Nashville has outscored its opponents 17-2.
In five road games, that margin is just 4-3. Last season, Nashville was third in MLS in points from home matches (36) but 19th on the road (18). "Going away is never easy," midfielder Matthew Corcoran said.
"We've seen the talent, we've seen the ability to score goals at home, and I think it's only a matter of time before that translates to away games as well. I don't think that's something we're too worried about. I think that will come just with more confidence.