It’s been a while since we’ve done one of these, but there’s a lot to catch up on. Nashville SC currently have four players out on loan, three in the USL Championship (US Soccer’s second division) and one in USL League One (the third division). Let’s catch up on how they’ve performed.
Cameron Lancaster
Louisville City FC – USL Championship
The oft-injured striker was signed by Nashville to an MLS contract in 2019 after a record-setting season in Louisville, but injuries limited the his ability to see the field in Nashville. He was sent back to Louisville on loan before the season started.
In Louisville, he found his form again. He’s been a goal machine, scoring 11 goals in 17 appearances, and has been a catalyst for Louisville’s run to the playoffs.
In Lou City’s first round playoff match, Lancaster again found the back of the net.
? A nice little redirection, and it's the go-ahead strike for now! ? pic.twitter.com/gkavMxZKN9
— LouCity FC (@loucityfc) October 10, 2020
That’s the type of half-chance Lancaster thrives on. To use a cliche, he’s a clinical finisher, who just needs the slightest look at goal to test the ‘keeper, and often to find the net.
Lancaster played 69 minutes of the match, nearly scoring a second goal a few minutes later.
.@CameronPL nearly doubled the lead, too. ? pic.twitter.com/7xZ1C40OX4
— LouCity FC (@loucityfc) October 11, 2020
Up next for Lancaster, Louisville City take on Saint Louis FC in the USL Championship Eastern Conference Semifinal on Saturday, October 17. That match kicks off at 7:30 PM central, and can be watched on ESPN+.
Tanner Dieterich
Chattanooga Red Wolves – USL League One
Dieterich is the only loanee who is still playing. The Red Wolves have three matches left in their regular season, although their match against Orlando City B was postponed.
Dieterich has scored two goal in 10 matches. He’s played largely in a box-to-box midfield role in a 4-3-3, and has become a key part of the side in their playoff push.
Chattanooga is currently in 6th place, five points out of 2nd. The top two sides in the league advance to the final, so in essence they’ll need to win out to get to the final.
Dieterich and Chattanooga take on Forward Madison FC this Saturday, October 17. The match kicks off at 1PM central, also on ESPN+.
Luke Haakenson
Charlotte Independence – USL Championship
Haakenson and Charlotte bowed out in the first round of the USL Championship playoffs, losing 2-1 to Charleston Battery.
Haakenson played primarily on the wings for the Independence, and played 80 minutes of their playoff loss. He tested the ‘keeper once and hit another effort off the post, but unfortunately ended his first professional season with a loss.
Haakenson finished the season second in scoring for Charlotte with three goals (the leader had 11). In 17 appearances, Haakenson also assisted two and created 18 chances. With Charlotte’s season over, he’ll likely return to Nashville at some point to continue training.
Brady Scott
Sacramento Republic – USL Championship
Scott was loaned out to Sacramento immediately after signing with Nashville, where he found himself largely second-choice. The shot stopper appeared in two matches for the Republic, saving two shots and conceding four goals.
Scott was on the bench for Sacramento’s 1-0 loss to Phoenix Rising in the USL Championship Conference Quarterfinals, a loss that went down in shady circumstances.
After trading Adrián Zendejas to Minnesota, Nashville was left with just two goalies on their roster. Scott seemed set to return to NSC and fight for the second-choice spot. However, Nashville instead signed CJ Cochran on loan from USL’s OKC Energy, specifically as the third-choice ‘keeper.
In their announcement, Nashville included that Scott will continue to play for Sacramento on loan, despite their season having concluded. Whether he’ll just train with them in the offseason or extend his loan into the 2021 season remains to be seen.
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