In 2021: Nashville SC finishes third in the Eastern Conference and qualifies for the playoffs again. The club also participates in the U.S. Open Cup, reaching the quarterfinals before losing to New York Red Bulls 2–1. The club also signs several talented players, such as Rodrigo Piñeiro, a Uruguayan winger who joined from Danubio; CJ Sapong, a veteran striker who joined from Chicago Fire; and Robert Castellanos, a young defender who joined from Rio Grande Valley FC Toros. In the playoffs, Nashville SC beats New York City FC 3–1 in the first round before losing to New England Revolution 2–1 in the conference semifinals.