New York City FC welcomes Nashville SC this weekend with both sides seeking to cement their place in the playoffs.
For this edition of 'The Away End' presented by Berkeley College & Rennert International, we spoke to Soccer Moses, AKA Stephen Mason, one of Nashville SC's most recognizable fans.
Hi Soccer Moses, thanks for taking the time. How long have you been a Nashville SC fan?
I first encountered Nashville (FC) when they were playing matches at Vanderbilt University - it was a small, dedicated group of soccer fans excited to see the beautiful game grow in Nashville!
How did you come to find yourself attending Nashville games?
A dear friend knew I was a soccer fan, and invited me along to one of those early matches. I got to play a bit of drums, waved a big flag and was instantly hooked on the community and comradery.
To you, what is the perfect song to play pre-game and why?
I'm a fan of hype songs that get all the people singing. Uptempo I'd have to go with the White Stripes classic "Seven Nation Army", and (confessing a bias here) downtempo I'd have to go with Judah and the Lion's song "Never Give Up On You" with which we begin and end each match. I am a member of the Roadies, an NSC supporters group, and often I'll DJ the tailgate. Fav jams there are Mi Gente (J Balvin), Tennessee (Arrested Development), ooh lala (Run the Jewels) and of course I begin every set with Genesis by Justice. ;)
Nashville have left a strong imprint on MLS, what do you think makes Nashville’s soccer scene so special?
What has been so special to me is the opportunity to experience the growth of a community from the ground floor. That's rare to find in this day and age. From the beginnings in NPSL, on to USL and now in MLS, it's been a steady and unstoppable growth.
This season has felt as if we've achieved something wonderful within the wider Nashville community. We've been getting record numbers into the Titans' stadium (while we await the completion of our own), and the team has fully stepped up, delighting new fans with a fantastic record at home, as well as playing some truly beautiful football.
The team is currently having a very good season in MLS, what do you put that down to?
This year we've seen the coalescing of the team as a strong defensive spine that has enabled the attacking players to express themselves. Walker Zimmerman is owning the defensive 1/3, Dax is seemingly unflappable, Joe Willis is keeping clean sheets and, along with Dave Romney, he's played every minute this season. It makes me tired just thinking about it.
Hany Muhktar was a huge addition in the inaugural season and has come into his own as a talisman. The connection between Hany, CJ Sapong and Randall Leal has been incredible to watch. Much credit has to go to Gary Smith, Steve Guppy and the rest of the Nashville SC staff.
The last time the two sides met it was Nashville that emerged victorious. What are your hopes for the game on Sunday?
I would love a similar result, of course! NYCFC is a force to be reckoned with, and considering the parity of MLS, anything can happen! This is a new aspect that I've enjoyed - watching the tactics and performances play out, week to week. It's a wild roller coaster, and we are on for the ride.
For any fans making their way to Nashville to see a game, what attractions should they seek out in your opinion?
Hopefully we'll host a match in Nashville on a Saturday, because the tailgating is one of my favorite parts, and Nashville supporters groups are VERY welcoming to opposing fans.
It seems churlish to compare many of Nashville's museums and restaurants to what is available in your fine city, but a recent addition to our downtown is the National Museum of African American Music. Unique to Nashville is of course the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium, and the full-scale version of the Parthenon - which is as beautiful and bizarre as it sounds. Mick Jagger visited it and took some influencer-like photos in a cowboy hat. True story.
Of course we have great bars and an increasingly wonderful food scene. Avoid getting run over by screaming bachelorettes in rolling hot tubs. Also a true story.
