Nashville SC picked up a 2–1 win over Charlotte FC on Matchday 12 of the 2025 MLS season, yet the on-pitch result was far from the main talking point.
Usually one of the most vibrant atmospheres in American soccer, Geodis Park missed a significant flare on Saturday night from its Latino fans, a measure they said was a result of the recent heightened activity from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Tennessee.
La Brigada De Oro, one of the club’s official supporters groups, revealed many members chose not to come to the match, and it also cancelled pre-match tailgates, with worries of immigration officers targeting the predominantly Latino/Hispanic supporters’ group.
"In solidarity with the injustices that we are experiencing right at this very moment within our Latino/Hispanic community…we have decided to cancel this Saturday’s tailgate,” the group posted ahead of the match.
“During difficult times, family stands together…When one of us is affected, we all are. And at this moment, it doesn't feel prudent to celebrate, cheer and party while so many families within our community are being separated and destroyed."
The gaping hole in the supporters’ section was evident throughout the match, and several other supporters' groups held a 10-minute silence. They also displayed banners in English and Spanish saying, “We are not all here.”
“People are afraid to go out, because we know that we are being targeted, the Latino community is being targeted,” said Abel Costa of La Brigada de Oro to 615 Soccer. “[ICE] are searching, they're looking, they're patrolling where the Latino communities are based the most here in Nashville.”
Nashville SC’s pre-match ceremony also included a flag for La Brigada De Oro, and the club extended its support online and through their actions in the stadium.
Reports emerged midway through the match that Geodis Park security had requested the signs be removed, as they violated the MLS sign policy. However, Nashville SC released a statement, debunking those claims.
“In accordance with Major League Soccer policy, all banners, signs, and flags in the supporter’s section are inspected to ensure they comply with league rules and regulations," the Nashville SC statement said. "The banners referenced were displayed in the section, inspected by venue security personnel, and permitted to remain in place.”
