Nashville SC returned to action this past week, taking four points from two matches on the road against FC Dallas. Meanwhile, two of their players continue to impress a division below in USL Championship. Let’s take a look at how Nashville’s loaned out players are performing.
Cameron Lancaster (Louisville City FC)
Cam Lancaster is on fire. It’s as simple as that. The man cannot stop scoring. Since our last update, he’s played in four matches and scored three goals.
Cameron Lancaster and free kicks, a perfect match.#LOUvSKC | @CameronPL pic.twitter.com/BIi62rEtBZ
— LouCity FC (@loucityfc) July 30, 2020
Without being hyperbolic, no ‘keeper in the world is stopping that.
.@CameronPL opens the scoring on the breakaway!
— LouCity FC (@loucityfc) August 16, 2020
1 – 0 | #LOUvLDN pic.twitter.com/Es9iLW4nQf
The defending from Loudoun here is sloppy, but it’s still a really smart run from Lancaster and an authoritative finish. That’s clearly a player with a lot of confidence in a good run of form.
Class from @CameronPL to open the scoring tonight!
— LouCity FC (@loucityfc) August 20, 2020
1 – 0 | #LOUvSKC pic.twitter.com/BKPSJX8c3H
That turn and finish is really, really nice. The defender’s positioning is slightly off, but it’s not horrible, and Lancaster still has a lot of work to do to control the ball and get the shot off.
There’s obviously a talent disparity between USL and MLS, but there’s something to be said for the fact that Lancaster is in better scoring form than any striker currently wearing a gold shirt.
Dom Badji: 238 mins, 5 shots, 0 goals (0 per 96)
Daniel RÃos: 89 mins, 2 shots, 0 goals (0 per 96)
Abu Danladi: 72 mins, 2 shots, 0 goals (0 per 96)
Cam Lancaster: 610 mins, 34 shots, 5 goals (.78 per 96)
Lancaster has always been a high-volume shooter, and he’s thriving in a Louisville side that generates a ton of chances. It’s hard to say that success would translate to Nashville’s style of play, but if Nashville’s forwards don’t start scoring and they don’t bring in a striker in this window, they always have that recall clause.
I’m not saying it will happen, but I’d definitely consider it were I making those decisions.
Louisville City’s next match is against Indy Eleven on Wednesday, August 26 at 7 PM. The match can be watched on ESPN+.
Luke Haakenson (Charlotte Independence)
Haakenson has become a regular for Charlotte, starting two matches and coming off the bench in the other two they’ve played since our last update. He’s played both centrally and on the wing, and is third on the roster in goals and second in chances created. It’s fair to say he’s been productive.
Start your week off the right way with a @LukeHaakenson game-winner ? pic.twitter.com/i30mBASDRv
— Charlotte Independence (@Independence) August 17, 2020
That’s a strong run from Haakenson and a collected finish. He’s probably not ready to be a regular contributor for Nashville at the MLS level right now, but all signs are encouraging for his development.
Charlotte travels to Miami FC on Sunday, August 23 at 6 PM. The match can be watched on ESPN+.
Tanner Dieterich (Chattanooga Red Wolves)
Dieterich was loaned out to Chattanooga of the USL League One in early August and was named to the bench for their match against Greenville Triumph, their only contest since his move. He came off the bench for a 23 minute appearance, but was unable to stop Greenville from scoring the winner.
Chattanooga Red Wolves take on Tormenta FC on Saturday, August 22 at noon. The match can be watched on ESPN+.
