Nashville SC vs. Atlético Ottawa
Concacaf Champions Cup | Round One
Tuesday, February 24 | 7 p.m. CT
GEODIS Park | Nashville, TN
Broadcast Details
Watch | FS2, ConcacafGO, OneSoccer, TUDN
Nashville SC vs Atlético Ottawa
Tuesday, Feb. 24 at GEODIS Park | 7 p.m.
Round One, Leg Two of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup (CCC).
The games keep coming for Nashville SC, who returns to GEODIS Park for a Tuesday night showpiece against Atlético Ottawa in the Concacaf Champions Cup first round. The Boys in Gold won the first leg in Canada last week 2-0 and, should that advantage hold, will face Eastern Conference rival Inter Miami in the Round of 16.
Key Storylines
More chances for youth?
The story of last week’s triumph in Ontario was head coach B.J. Callaghan’s decision to field a lineup principally comprised of youngsters. Four players — Woobens Pacius, Warren Madrigal, Thomas Williams and Jordan Knight — were handed their first starts for the club against Ottawa and performed admirably, with the former even grabbing his first Nashville goal after a couple seasons on loan.
Except for Madrigal, who logged an all-time league debut on the left wing, Callaghan opted for a more veteran lineup in Nashville’s 4-1 win against the New England Revolution on Saturday to open its MLS regular season. But with a 2-0 aggregate advantage in its pocket and another MLS clash beckoning within the week, Callaghan may rotate in some additional youth against Ottawa to help carry Nashville to the Round of 16.
That faith paid off last week with Pacius’ goal, Madrigal’s superb MLS debut and plenty of bright signs from the likes of Matthew Corcoran and Ahmed Qasem. It might well pay off again on Tuesday.
Schwake's time to shine
Goalkeeper Brian Schwake became a club hero for his outstanding performances across Nashville’s run to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title in 2025, including a penalty save in the Final. The 24-year-old has not lost any of the seven games he’s started during his time with Nashville, a club record, and looked steady in both games he’s started so far in 2026, only letting in a consolation goal against New England.
Alongside being a talented shot-stopper, Schwake is steady with the ball at his feet and an adept passer, allowing Nashville to play out from the back more easily and punish opponents on the counter. Schwake offers a unique skill set in goal, one Callaghan has already proved he values and will utilize this season.
Another potential milestone for Maher
Jack Maher has been a vital piece of Nashville’s defense since joining the club as the second-overall pick in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft. The Illinois native has started a remarkable 127 of the 140 games he’s played in for the Boys in Gold, helping usher them from an MLS expansion franchise to a staple of the Eastern Conference, an Open Cup trophy and a 2026 MLS Cup contender.
But for the six years he’s now spent in Music City, last week’s clash against Ottawa was the first time he had ever suited up as the club’s captain. It was a role he assumed with confidence, commanding his team to a clean sheet and impressing Callaghan with his on-field communication throughout the match.
The 26-year-old has clearly cemented himself as a respected voice in the dressing room — a trait that will serve him well in the heart of defense no matter his partner. Should club captain Hany Mukhtar not start on Tuesday, Maher may well assume the captaincy one more, a task he’s already proven he’s comfortable taking on.
Series History + What's Next
Last week’s meeting was the first ever between Nashville and Ottawa, and between Nashville and a side from the Canadian Premier League. Nashville is undefeated — and unscored on — in the Champions Cup first round dating back to its inaugural appearance in 2024.
The Boys in Gold hit the road at the conclusion of Tuesday’s match, heading to Texas for its first away match of the MLS regular season at FC Dallas on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m. CT.
