Leading the Boys in Gold into battle was second year coach Gary Smith who himself just received a two year contract extension with the club until 2023 following an MLS debut that exceeded all expectations with an impressive playoff run under difficult circumstances. Smith - who also managed the USL incarnation of the squad for two years - has now for back to back seasons had to deal with the uncertainties brought about by Covid-19 and the unique predicaments posed by the pandemic. In 2021, that meant Nashville SC missed out on 3 of its 5 scheduled warm-up games that were canceled out of an excess of caution.

To that end, the starting eleven taking the field on opening night were perhaps a little under-rehearsed and even a little sluggish. Even the presence of Metallica and Megedeth's Dave Mustaine who helped kick things off with the Gibson Guitar Riff to open the game couldn't inject the needed energy initially as SC quickly fell behind 2 nil in part to questionable refereeing and a dubious call that led to a second goal via penalty kick for the Cincinnati-based footballers in the 12th minute.

Season two is off and running for the Boys in Gold in Nashville.

But, following an anemic first 15 minutes something quite amazing happened. The Boys known for the sticky defense that would make a Post-it Note proud put on an unprecedented and record-stetting offensive display that had fans on the edge of their seats.

Nashville earned a result against Cincinnati with goals from Jhonder Cádiz and Randall Leal after falling behind 2-0 in the first 12 minutes of the match. The early 2-0 scoreboard was the largest deficit erased to earn a result in the club's MLS history.

One of Nashville SC's most active supporters on social media - Goalzilla; with RaeLynn and more scenes from the match.

Nashville recorded 32 shots, the most attempted in the club's MLS history. The 32 shots shattered their previous high of 21 that was recorded on August 16, 2020 against FC Dallas. The team also recorded 13 shots on goal, which also set a new MLS team record. The previous high was seven, recorded twice on August 16 against FC Dallas and October 14 against Houston Dynamo FC.

Randall Leal recorded his first goal of the season and fourth MLS regular season goal of his career with a beautiful chip from outside of the 18-yard box. The goal was his fifth overall in all competitions. Nashville now owns a record of 3W-2D when Leal scores a goal in a match.

Nashville's Dave Mustaine inspired a mega amount of shots on goal.

On a pre-game stroll through the concourse team execs were drumming up excitement for the new stadium that is expected to open in mid-May in 2022. Fans who made the commitment to guarantee their "N" status for next year by purchasing season tickets were invited to pull up a seat at the pop-up bar and raise a toast to the team and their bright future.

Located just south of downtown in the vibrant Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood, the Nashville SC Stadium will be Music City's newest home for MLS soccer, live music and more. It will feature 30,000 Seats, 7 Premium Areas, 27 Suites and will emerge as the most concert-ready venue in MLS -- making this a perfect addition to Music City. The team's new home will be the largest soccer-specific stadium in North America.

Nashville's soccer specific stadium is coming in 2022.

Related Links: For more information on NASHVILLE SC and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- Nashville SC | Nashville SC Enjoys a Season Full of Highlights in Music City | Nashville SC Scores a Spooky and Successful Inaugural Season in Music City | Nashville SC Leaps Up to the Major Leagues in Music City | Nashville SC Plant Their Flag | Nashville SC Steps Up to the Big Time