June 25, 2026
Going into Week Seven, Nashville Rhythm FC needed a result to turn the tide on a season that saw two one-goal losses that could have just as easily been wins.
A 6-0 win at UFA Gunners in Week Six set the stage for what could potentially be the make-or-break week with a pair of matches against sides in very much the same boat: a struggling Chattanooga FC looking to right the ship in front of its home fans, and a desperate Atlanta Fire United looking for a positive result.
On Tuesday, Nashville managed the almost unthinkable, coming out of Chattanooga FC’s unfriendly Finley Stadium with a 2-0 win, followed by a convincing 6-0 at home over Atlanta Fire United to earn Week Seven Team of the Week presented by SOMETHINGINKED.
“This past week was an outstanding one for our club as we earned two convincing victories while continuing to demonstrate the style of play and team culture we have worked hard to establish all season,” Travis Fravel, Nashville Rhythm FC head coach, said.
Coming off the victory the week before, Nashville entered Tuesday’s match at Chattanooga with just the right amount of swagger. Coming out on the front foot, Katie Shea Collins put Nashville on the board in the fourth minute with her first touch of the game from a ball played in by Emma Petterson. Summer Riley made it 2-0 in the 18th minute after forcing a turnover deep in Chattanooga’s end. It was then left to goalkeeper Kendall Curran and the Nashville back line, which has conceded only a single goal over its last four games, to mitigate Chattanooga’s potentially lethal attack.
“We felt like the Chattanooga game was a complete performance for us,” Fravel said. “We created numerous scoring opportunities and controlled large stretches of the match. Credit must be given to Chattanooga’s goalkeeper, who made several outstanding saves to keep the match much closer than it could have been.”
On Saturday, Nashville returned for its first home match since a 4-3 loss to conference winners, Georgia Impact in Week Four. Ava Meadors put Nashville up 1-0 in the 13th minute, and Airenoa Duenez made it 2-0 in first half stoppage time.
“Atlanta came in organized and committed to defending in a deep block, which challenged us to remain patient while in possession and looking for opportunities to break them down,” Fravel said. “We were pleased how we responded after halftime, increasing the tempo and moving the ball quickly. The result was some of the best attacking soccer we have played all season.”
Bella Hodson’s 51st minute goal opened the floodgates, with goals by Summer Riley in the 54th minute, Tatum Ahlemeyer in the 68th, and Keely O’Brien to make it 6-0 in the 86th minute. Demi Gronauer backstopped the defense which earned its third consecutive clean sheet and fourth of the season.
“Defensive midfielder Brea Fisher deserves special recognition. She has been one of our most consistent and impactful players all season. She has not missed a match and continues to provide leadership, defensive stability, and quality in possession,” Fravel said.
With two matches to play, Nashville (4-0-2) sits precariously in second place in the Southeast Conference table with 12 points, a single point ahead of DECATUR FC as the two clubs battle it out for that spot.
“The biggest reason for our success is the environment our players have created,” Fravel said. Our training sessions are highly competitive, intentional, and demanding, but they are also enjoyable. The players love competing with one another, and that daily commitment is translating directly into our performance on game day. We often have different lineups from match to match, but every player is prepared to step into a role and contribute when called upon.”
