It will be the birth of a rivalry when Nashville SC meet Atlanta United in the expansion club’s inaugural MLS match Feb. 29 at Nissan Stadium.
Even before a ball is kicked, Nashville SC are being called the Five Stripes' “biggest rival” by Atlanta United president Darren Eales.
"Since the day I got appointed as CEO of Nashville Soccer Club, one of the first people to call me was [President of Atlanta United] Darren Eales," NSC CEO Ian Ayre told the Tennessean in an interview. "One of the first comments he made was, 'We cannot wait for you guys to get to MLS. You'll be our biggest rival. Let's bring it on.’”
Atlanta aren't short of rivals. There's been some tense matches against the New York Red Bulls, and Orlando City SC have been the Five Stripes' natural geographic rival, but ATLUTD have humbled the Lions, going unbeaten in nine all-time meetings.
Will Nashville, a four-hour drive north up I-75 and I-24, replace Orlando as Atlanta's top adversary? We’ve heard from the team execs, now you get to voice your opinion.
