Introduction
The Eastern Conference struggle heats up this weekend as Toronto FC visits Nashville SC in what may be a pivotal moment for both sides in the 2025 MLS season. Pitting two clubs with very disparate campaigns against one another on July 20th at Geodis Park, this game pits Nashville seeking consistency at the top of the table against Toronto fighting to get back into the playoff hunt.
With the season entering its final stretch, every point is crucial. For Nashville, a win would solidify their grip on the top three positions. For Toronto, even a draw will prove beneficial while they fight to stay in contention for the playoffs.
Match Details
Date: Saturday, July 20th, 2025
Time: 00:30 UTC
Venue: Geodis Park, Nashville, Tennessee
Team Overviews
Nashville SC
Nashville SC currently sits 3rd in the Eastern Conference, enjoying the glow of a solid stretch of form. The team has demonstrated extraordinary equipoise between attack and defense all season long. Having suffered only a handful of losses, their consistency has earned them one of the more stable teams to watch out for in the MLS.
Home Strength at Geodis Park
Geodis Park has been a home fortress for Nashville. Their home record is among the best in the league, and they've become accustomed to blanking visitors on their own turf while taking advantage of their own attacking prowess.
Key Players
Hany Mukhtar: Perhaps the league's most creative player, Mukhtar's vision and finishing ability make him a threat wherever he takes the field.
Sam Surridge: The English striker provides physicality and aerial threat to the attack, to complement Mukhtar's ball skill.
Predicted Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Willis – Lovitz, Zimmerman, MacNaughton, Moore – Davis, Godoy – Leal, Mukhtar, Shaffelburg – Surridge
Toronto FC
Toronto FC is coming into this game 12th in the Eastern Conference, a ranking that doesn't accurately represent the quality within their roster. The side has been inconsistent, especially at the back, but there has been some tactical tweaking in recent weeks.
Defensive Growth
While earlier in the season Toronto's defense was leaky, their last few games have seen better organization and a more cohesive unit. This change has sealed away the loss of close matches and given hope for a mid-season turnabout.
Key Player
Theo Corbeanu: The lightning-fast winger is becoming an integral presence in Toronto's attack at an alarming rate. His speed, ball handling, and sense of goal can be a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
Gavran – Petretta, Long, Rosted, Franklin – Servania, Coello, Osorio – Corbeanu, Spicer, Kerr
Key Matchups and Tactical Analysis
Nashville will likely control possession and dictate the tempo of the game via midfield dominance. Their default 4-2-3-1 offers front flexibility while still possessing a robust defensive shape. They will aim to build in the center and use Mukhtar to open up channels between the lines.
Toronto, on the other hand, will likely set up more defensively, through speed transitions and the one-on-one ability of Corbeanu and Kerr out of transition. They will try to play through any room that is opened up by Nashville's full backs who tuck in high up the field.
Most Crucial Matchups to Watch:
Hany Mukhtar vs Coello/Servania: The midfield will be crucial. Toronto will really strengthen their chances of a good result if they can comfortably nullify Mukhtar.
Surridge vs. Long and Rosted: It is all about physicality in the box in this one, especially at set pieces.
Corbeanu vs. Moore: Game-changer if Corbeanu can outwit his marker on the wing and isolate.
Injury and Team News
Nashville SC
Several key players remain missing, which affects rotation in the squad and in terms of tactics:
Jacob Shaffelburg – Lower-body injury
Benji Schmitt, Taylor Washington, Elliot Ekk, Tyler Boyd, Bryan Perez – All out with varying injuries
Despite this, Nashville's depth in their squad is what keeps them competitive.
Toronto FC
Toronto has avoided serious injuries to first-team regulars, but depth in the squad is lacking, and niggles to fringe players could test their bench capabilities. There are no reported suspensions currently.
Historical Head-to-Head Record
Recent matches have seen Nashville SC dominate, on the road and at home. They've gone unbeaten in their last four matches against Toronto FC, the previous encounter ending in a routine 2-0 win for Nashville.
Nashville 2-0 Toronto
Toronto 1-1 Nashville
Nashville 3-1 Toronto
Toronto has not been able to break down Nashville's solid shape, and the pattern of play so far suggests that a repeat might be on the cards.
Predictions and Betting Tips
Match Prediction
With structure, home advantage, and tactical resilience, Nashville SC are favorites. Toronto, however improved, will struggle to keep pace for the whole 90 minutes with a Nashville side good at control and calmness.
Score Prediction: Nashville SC 2-1 Toronto FC
Current Betting Odds (Via Stake.com)

Full-Time Result: Nashville SC to Win
Winner Odds:
Nashville SC to Win: 1.42
Toronto FC to Win: 7.20
Draw: 4.60
Over/Under 2.5:
Nashville SC: 1.70
Toronto FC: 2.13
Win Probability

Conclusion
This East Conference battle is not another game. For Nashville SC, it's a chance to firm up their grip on a prime playoff seeding. For Toronto FC, it's a resiliency test and a chance at rebirth.
With Hany Mukhtar at the helm, and Sam Surridge leading the line, Nashville looks set to maintain their great home record. Toronto, however, has the attacking depth, particularly in Theo Corbeanu, to pull off an upset.
Saturday night at Geodis Park there could be fireworks. Be it a fan, a bettor, or simply someone looking to watch, this one is not to be missed.