Atlanta United to open 2018 preseason schedule against Nashville SC

Atlanta United will open their 2018 preseason schedule with a friendly against Nashville SC on February 10 at First Tennessee Park.

“We are looking forward to facing Nashville SC in our first preseason friendly of 2018,” Atlanta United President Darren Eales said in a press release. “Having a regional rival within driving distance of Atlanta will allow our fans the chance to see the team play early in the season. It’s an exciting opportunity for us to be the first opponent to face Nashville SC in First Tennessee Park.”

This will be the fourth known opponent for the Five Stripes this coming preseason in addition to participating in the Carolina Challenge Cup from Feb. 17-24 against Columbus Crew, Minnesota United and Charleston Battery.

The USL club is one of several cities bidding for an MLS expansion franchise and are considered one of the favorites to win a spot in the league. Could this be the first of many meetings between future southeastern rivals?

Beginning against a regional opponent is similar to what we saw last preseason when Atlanta traveled to Chattanooga for their first-ever match as a franchise. It should be another interesting affair to kick off the drive to a new season.