What Happened
Nashville SC is set to host Atlético Ottawa in the second leg of their first-round CONCACAF Champions Cup series on February 24, 2026, at Geodis Park. The match is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on FS2. Nashville leads the aggregate score 2-0 after a victory in the first leg held in Canada on February 17, where Woobens Pacius and Sam Surridge scored for Nashville, while goalkeeper Brian Schwake kept Ottawa scoreless.
Why It Matters
This match is crucial for both teams. Nashville SC aims to secure their advancement to the round of 16, where they would potentially face Lionel Messi and Inter Miami. They can advance with a win, tie, or even a one-goal loss. Conversely, Atlético Ottawa must overcome a two-goal deficit to advance, needing to score at least two goals without conceding. This match marks Ottawa’s first-ever game outside of Canada in the Concacaf Champions Cup, adding to the significance of the encounter.
What’s Next
Should Nashville maintain their lead, they will move forward in the tournament, while Ottawa will need to make strategic adjustments to their lineup and approach to secure a win. Ottawa’s head coach, Diego Mejía, is expected to modify his tactics to enhance their offensive capabilities, as they struggled to generate scoring opportunities in the first leg. The outcome of this match will determine which team progresses in the prestigious tournament.