Nashville SC and the New England Revolution opened their 2024 MLS campaigns with a gripping defensive battle on Saturday night, as goalkeepers Joe Willis and Aljaz Ivacic combined for four saves in a 0-0 draw. The match marked the sixth career meeting between these Eastern Conference rivals, with both teams prioritizing defensive organization from the first whistle.
Ivacic – acquired by New England in 2023 – delivered an immediate return on investment with three crucial stops, including a 68th-minute reaction save against Nashville’s Hany Mukhtar. The Slovenian shot-stopper now boasts five clean sheets in 26 appearances for the Revolution. ‘Clean sheets define playoff teams,’ Revolution coach Caleb Porter noted postgame. ‘Tonight showed our defensive identity.’
Across the pitch, Nashville veteran Joe Willis extended his club record with a 50th clean sheet in 112 appearances. The 36-year-old’s 68th career shutout places him fifth among active MLS goalkeepers.
‘Joe’s consistency separates him,’new Nashville manager B.J. Callaghan remarked. ‘He’s the foundation we build from.’
Key tactical elements shaped the deadlock:
- New England’s high press forced 14 Nashville turnovers
- Nashville’s back three completed 89% of passes
- Both teams combined for just 0.9 expected goals
The result continues Nashville’s strong opening-day tradition (1-0-3). Callaghan becomes the fourth straight manager to avoid defeat in his club debut. New England’s offseason moves showed early promise, with Norwegian midfielder Edvard Tagseth completing 92% of passes in his MLS debut.
Upcoming fixtures:
- Nashville visits New York Red Bulls (March 9)
- New England hosts Columbus Crew (March 9)
With both teams showcasing playoff-caliber defense, this stalemate could prove pivotal come October. As the MLS season unfolds, goalkeeping excellence and tactical discipline appear set to dominate Eastern Conference strategies.
