SOCCER: Unbeaten Nashville SC to be tested by Fire's improved defense

Entering Saturday night's match at the Chicago Fire, Nashville SC are one of two unbeaten teams in MLS with a 4-0-1 mark, good for 13 points and a spot atop the Eastern Conference table.

Yet it feels there's evidence Nashville can get better than it already is, even though it has outscored its opponents 13-2. Coach B.J. Callaghan says consistency is the biggest factor in his club's fast start.

"It sounds boring and maybe cliche but these guys just come to work each and every day," he said. "We turn the page and we want to give a very consistent performance when we turn the lights on each match day."

That consistency has come on both ends of the pitch. Nashville has logged three clean sheets, including a 5-0 rout of Orlando City in its last match on March 21. And with Sam Surridge netting a league-high seven goals, the club ranks second in MLS in scoring.

For Surridge, it's been a continuation of 2025, when he scored 24 goals -- second only to Lionel Messi of Inter Miami.

"I think I wanted to carry on the back of last season," he said.

While Nashville strives for improvement, Chicago (2-2-1, 7 points) aims to build off a 2-1 victory at Philadelphia on March 21. Jonathan Bamba scored in the 58th minute to break a draw and the Fire were able to level their record at .500.

Chicago has been one of the league's best possession teams so far, ranking fifth with a 55% rate, and has conceded only five goals. Most of its offense has come courtesy of Hugo Cuypers, who has four of the team's seven goals, including one in the third minute of first-half stoppage time in Philadelphia.

The defense has been especially pleasing for Fire players and coaches after they allowed 60 goals last year, tied for third-worst in the East.

"We're building on our playing style and trying to get better every day," said Fire forward Philip Zinckernagel.

-Field Level Media/Reuters