Nashville SC is set to relive a classic showdown with Mexican giants Club América, rekindling a fierce rivalry that famously boiled over during their 2023 Leagues Cup encounter. These two teams are set to face off again in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals, with a lot on the line.
The Rematch That Has Fans Buzzing
It’s been over two years since Nashville SC pulled off a stunning victory against Club América in a nail-biting Leagues Cup match. That night, the tension was palpable, with Nashville’s Sam Surridge scoring an injury-time goal to tie the game and push it into a penalty shootout. The drama didn’t stop there. When defender Jack Maher’s penalty was initially saved, Club América’s fans stormed the field, believing the win was theirs. But the referees allowed Maher to retake the shot, and Nashville clinched the victory, sending shockwaves through the soccer community.
Fast forward to April 2026: Nashville will host the first leg at Geodis Park on April 7 before heading to the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City for the second leg on April 14. Despite only seven players from the 2023 squad remaining, the memory of that epic win still fuels the team’s fire.
“That was one of the biggest games we've ever played in,” defender Jack Maher said. “It was one of the first times we got to play against a Liga MX side, and showing we couldn't only compete but win on penalties gave our club a lot of momentum.”
Atmosphere Charged with History and Passion
That 2023 match was more than just a game—it was something the fans and players won’t forget. Nashville SC’s players had to walk off the field amid a storm of trash and thrown beverages from outraged Club América supporters who felt robbed.
Yet, rather than fear, defender Dan Lovitz saw it as a badge of honor.
“I felt like King Leonidas in ‘300’ with arrows coming down,” Lovitz recalled. “It was a cool moment. Maybe we were ready for something like that.” The passion and intensity surrounding the match made it a standout event for fans and players alike.
Throughout the match, it was clear why Club América is one of North America’s most popular and historic clubs. With a history spanning over a century and boasting more than 40 trophies, América brought an aura of grandeur and expectation. Nashville, by contrast, was still the underdog, a young club eager to prove itself on the big stage.
Nashville’s Rise and Challenges
Nashville SC is still a relatively new name in Major League Soccer, having joined the league in 2020. While they have yet to make a deep run in the MLS playoffs, their recent performances in international competition have turned heads. The 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup marks just their second appearance in the tournament, but the club is already making waves.
Earlier in the tournament, Nashville stunned many by eliminating Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in the Round of 16. After a 0-0 draw at home, Nashville advanced on away goals following Cristian Espinoza’s goal that canceled out Messi’s milestone 900th career goal. This win set the stage for the tantalizing quarterfinal matchup against Club América.
Still, Nashville’s progress isn't without hurdles. Their road form remains shaky, a trend that threatens their chances in both MLS and international competitions. The team’s recent 1-0 loss to Chicago Fire at Soldier Field highlighted their struggles away from Geodis Park, where their attack often sputters.
Right now, at home, Nashville is a powerhouse, having scored 17 goals in five matches this season across competitions. On the road, they’ve managed only four goals in five games.
Coach B.J. Callaghan pointed out that the team lacked sharpness in Chicago, blaming a lack of clinical finishing rather than the two-week international break.
Midfielder Matthew Corcoran expressed confidence that Nashville’s away struggles would even out with time. “We’ve seen the ability to score goals at home, and I think it’s only a matter of time before that translates to away games,” Corcoran said.
Club América’s Quest to Reclaim Glory
For Club América, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Mexican club is chasing its eighth CONCACAF Champions Cup title, a record they share with Cruz Azul. Their last championship came over a decade ago, and they've been desperate to end that drought.
That said, despite their rich history, América’s recent run to the quarterfinals has been anything but smooth. They narrowly overcame CD Olimpia from Honduras with a 2-1 aggregate and edged past the Philadelphia Union in the Round of 16 by the same score, with Rodrigo Dourado’s goal proving decisive.
Manager André Jardine brings experience and a tactical approach designed to grind out results. Facing a Nashville side fresh from an upset over Inter Miami, América knows it can’t afford to underestimate its opponent.
What to Expect in the Upcoming Clash
Both teams have plenty to prove as they enter this quarterfinal. Nashville wants to show they belong on the big stage and can handle the pressure of international competition. Club América is eager to reaffirm its status as a continental powerhouse and inch closer to reclaiming its storied legacy.
The first leg at Geodis Park promises a charged atmosphere. Nashville fans still remember the last time these two teams met and the drama that unfolded. Meanwhile, the return leg at Estadio Azteca, one of soccer’s most iconic stadiums, will test Nashville’s resolve and ability to perform away from home.
The stakes couldn’t be clearer. For Nashville, this is about proving growth and ambition in just six years since their MLS debut. For Club América, it’s about ending a title drought and adding another trophy to their illustrious cabinet.
As these teams get ready to meet again, the memory of that unforgettable 2023 game still hangs in the air, setting the stage for a fierce and passionate battle. How Nashville SC handles the pressure away from home could very well determine if they can pull off another major upset or if Club América will remind everyone why they remain a North American giant.
