NASHVILLE — While the U.S. men’s national soccer team settled for a draw Saturday at Nissan Stadium, this host city scored a small victory in an off-the-field competition that will play out over months and perhaps years across the country: MLS expansion.
Attendance alone for a one-off international match will not secure a franchise in the first-division pro league. Finances and stadium plans will ultimately play larger roles in determining four new teams from 12 candidates.
But with local and regional fans comprising the bulk of the 47,622 on hand for the U.S. squad’s Gold Cup opener against Panama, Nashville strengthened its portfolio and proved that, in a non-traditional soccer market, there is a hunger for the sport.