FC Dallas vs Nashville SC Preview: Lineups, Storylines & What to Watch

After opening the season with a win, FC Dallas remains at home for another weekend as they look to build early momentum against one of the Eastern Conference’s most dangerous attacks in Nashville SC.

The Coyotes come in riding high after a statement 4-1 win over the New England Revolution last weekend. They flashed the kind of attacking depth that many teams in MLS would dream of these days. This isn’t a grind-it-out and win 1-0 Nashville of a few years ago, this version can hurt you in waves.

For Dallas, this one is going to be all about validation. The opening night win over Toronto was nice, but it also showed some existing flaws. This is the kind of game to prove things are actually taking shape under Eric Quill.

Let’s dive into some notes, predictions, and more.

TL;DR: Match Preview

Quick hits before kickoff.

• Score prediction: FC Dallas 1 - 2 Nashville SC
• Key player to watch: Michael Collodi - The Homegrown keeper had a tough opening week, but he will be under even more pressure Saturday night against Nashville.
• Why this game matters: Nashville is expected to be a contender for titles in 2026. If Dallas can score another home win against a team like them, it will prove some doubters wrong.

The FC Dallas Coverage MLS Doesn’t Give You

The free stuff tells you what happened. A paid subscription tells you why it happened, what it means for FC Dallas, and what’s coming next—before anyone else catches up.

Claim your 2026 offer today!

FC Dallas Notes:

Key player for FC Dallas: Petar Musa - After a two goal output on opening day, the attack clearly goes through Musa. If Dallas can continue to feed him the ball, good things will continue to happen.

All-time vs Nashville : Dallas has a pretty rough record at home in all-time meetings with Nashville. They’ve gone 1-2-1 in four meetings at Toyota Stadium.

Homegrown clock : Last season, the Homegrowns played a combined 1548 minutes. Homegrown keeper Michael Collodi was the lone HGP in the lineup last week, as he went the full 90.

Notable season stats :

• Dallas is 10th in aerial challenges won with 14.
• Dallas ranks 12th in xG with 1.48.
• Dallas has generated 13 shots, the 9th-highest total in MLS.
• Dallas sits fifth in total goal involvements with seven.
• Dallas scored two goals in a first half home season opener for the first-time since March 3, 2014.
• Musa leads MLS in shot efficiency with 1.7 xG efficiency.

Potential FC Dallas Lineup:

Could we see Joaquin Valiente make his first start of the season? Quill likes to stick with what worked in the previous game when his team is winning, so expect Valiente off the bench for this one.

Projected Starting XI

Formation: 3-4-3

ST Musa

ST Farrington

CAM Cappis

LWB Kamungo

CM Kaick

CM C Ramiro

RWB Johansson

LCB Ibeagha

CB Urhoghide

RCB Moore

GK Collodi

Availability & Disciplinary Report

⚽

Disciplinary Report Suspended: none Suspended with next yellow card: none Suspended with next two yellow cards: none

🗒️

Availability Report Season-ending injury list: none Out: none Questionable: Jonathan Sirois - Head (Questionable) On Loan: Tsiki Ntsabeleng (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Enes Sali (Al-Riyadh), Malachi Molina (Nashville SC), Geovane Jesus (North Texas SC), Enzo Newman (North Texas SC) Unavailable (off-roster): Daniel Baran, Jaidyn Contreras, Kaka Scabin International duty: none

The FC Dallas Coverage MLS Doesn’t Give You

The free stuff tells you what happened. A paid subscription tells you why it happened, what it means for FC Dallas, and what’s coming next—before anyone else catches up.

Claim your 2026 offer today!

---

Nashville Notes:

Key player for Nashville: Sam Surridge

Scouting Nashville SC: What FC Dallas Needs to Know 🔎A detailed scouting report on Nashville SC ahead of FC Dallas’ 2026 showdown, breaking down formations, key players, tendencies, and tactical edges.Big D SoccerDrew Epperley

Disciplinary Report

Suspended: none Suspended on next yellow card: none

Availability Report Out: none Questionable: Charles-Emile Brunet (illness), Sam Surridge (illness), Xavier Valdez (illness) On Loan: none International duty: none

---

How to watch

📅 Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026 ⚽️ Kickoff: 7:30 PM 🏟 Venue: Toyota Stadium 📺 Streaming: MLS Season Pass 💬 Gameday Social: #FCDvNAS ☀️ Weather: 76 and cloudy