Colorado Rapids lost 4-1 to Toluca on Monday night. The result secured a second-place finish for Nashville SC in Central Group 4, who advance with three points after a 2-1 win against Colorado and a 3-4 loss to Toluca.
Nashville will take on FC Cincinnati in the Round of 32, who topped Central Group 3 with five points, winning in penalties against Sporting KC before beating Chivas Guadalajara 3-1 on a Brandon Vazquez hat trick.
As the Leagues Cup rules specify, group winners will host in the Round of 32, before 2022 Supporters’ Shield standings determine hosting rights in later rounds. Should Nashville advance, they would have hosting priority over all but five teams (LAFC, Philadelphia Union, New York City FC, New York Red Bulls and FC Dallas).
Nashville and Cincinnati have already played twice this season. Cincinnati won both games, beating Nashville 1-0 at Geodis Park and winning 3-1 at TQL Stadium just 16 days ago, a match that saw Taylor Washington and Fafà Picault sent off.
Nashville and Cincinnati have played six times since 2020. The series is evenly split, a pair of wins for both sides accompanying two draws. The two teams also played four times during the 2018 USL Championship season. They drew all three regular season matches, with Cincinnati edging Nashville in penalty kicks in the playoffs.
Nashville will be without starting striker Teal Bunbury, who was bafflingly shown a second yellow card against Toluca. However, new Designated Player Sam Surridge has arrived in Music City and could be set to make his debut for the Coyotes.
Friday’s match will take place at TQL Stadium on Friday, August 4. The match will kick off at 7 pm CT and will be broadcast on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
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