Taylor Washington will bring the curtain down on his playing career at the end of the season, but first, Nashville SC have work to do.
Nashville host Inter Miami in their final regular-season outing of 2025.
Miami, who have already clinched a playoff berth, can seal second spot in the Eastern Conference with a victory, provided FC Cincinnati fail to win.
The Herons have won five of their last seven outings, having run out 4-0 winners last time out with an emphatic display against Atlanta United.
Javier Mascherano’s side will be eager to build momentum heading into the postseason as they look to give the retiring Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba the perfect send-off.
Nashville, though, must win to guarantee themselves a spot in the first round of the playoffs. A defeat could see them slip into the wildcard positions if results elsewhere go against them.
This season’s US Open champions are unbeaten in their last three in all competitions, but have won just three of their previous 10 MLS outings, losing six and drawing one.
This week, one of their stalwarts, defender Washington, a 10-year veteran at Nashville, confirmed he will be retiring at the end of the season.
“After 10 long years of playing soccer professionally, I’ve decided to officially retire,” announced Washington.
“I think it’s a pretty good time, after we’ve just won the first [major league] trophy in Tennessee history. I want to first and foremost thank God. That he listened to the prayers of a kid from Somers, New York who just really wanted to kick a ball around, play with his friends, and grow. Those prayers turned into something far greater than I could ever imagine.”
Nashville will be determined to ensure Washington's season, and their own, does not end earlier than planned as they aim for a deep playoff run.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Nashville SC – Sam Surridge
Surridge has tallied 23 goals in the 2025 regular season, while Hany Mukhtar has added 16. Their combined total of 39 goals is the highest by any pair of teammates in MLS this year.
The former Nottingham Forest and AFC Bournemouth forward’s tally means he has netted the third-most goals in this season’s MLS, behind just Lionel Messi (26) and Denis Bouanga (24).
Inter Miami – Lionel Messi
Messi has recorded 26 goals and 19 assists this season, leading MLS in both categories. He is the first player in league history to register at least 18 goals and 18 assists in a single season.
The Argentina icon returned to the fold last Sunday, registering a brace and an assist against Atlanta.