NASHVILLE, Tenn. – It was close to being the magical moment that would have lifted Nashville SC’s home opener, but when Lebo Moloto’s scissor volley from Justin Davis’ corner kick was cleared off the line by Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC defender Tobi Adewole it proved the final big chance for the hosts to send home the crowd of 18,922 at Nissan Stadium with a win in the club’s inaugural home opener.

Moloto’s performance aside, however, and the lack of the first goal of the season in Nashville’s opening two games has highlighted the fact that the club is still a work in progress in the attacking half of the field.

While that is mitigated by the two opponents NSC has faced in defending USL Cup champion Nashville SC and a Riverhounds SC side that was expected to undergo a major upgrade defensively with the arrival of Head Coach Bob Lilley this offseason, breaking that scoreless streak when the side visits Bethlehem Steel FC on Saturday at Goodman Stadium (2 p.m. ET | Match Center) is going to be important for the club’s confidence.

“I think we have a talented group,” said NSC midfielder Matt LaGrassa this week. “I think what we need to work on is being more confident in possession and hopefully those chances will come. It’s hard as a deeper midfielder to get in those advanced areas when we haven’t been quite as good with the ball as we were hoping. I think moving forward we will see that change.”

Nashville’s numbers through two games bear that out. The side has completed only 57.5 percent of its passes in the opposing half and recorded only 10 shots, four on target, three of which have come from Moloto. After bringing in Tucker Hume to the starting lineup against the Hounds last Saturday for Michael Cox, who opened the season alongside Moloto and Robin Shroot, there might be another adjustment to come from Head Coach Gary Smith against Bethlehem.

“In terms of creation, I’ve got plenty of choices, I’ve got different individuals,” said Smith. “Tucker [Hume], a big, strong target man. Michael Cox, athlete. Ropapa [Mensah], likewise. Lebo [Moloto], Allen [Winn], all different types of players. So, we work constantly to try to be more effective, to offer those guys a little more freedom. I’ve certainly stressed the importance of team ethics and a good foundation and now, slowly but surely, hopefully we will start to see a little more creation, a bit better interaction.”

Steel FC is coming off a 2-0 loss to Eastern Conference frontrunners the Tampa Bay Rowdies but has a solid central midfield duo of its own in James Chambers and Derrick Jones, both of whom bring a solid two-way game for Saturday’s hosts. That will mean another strong test for Nashville as it looks to find its attacking chemistry and not fall too far off the early pace in the Eastern Conference.

“I think the chemistry and the fluidity going forward, through the midfield as well, is still coming along,” said LaGrassa. “I think that’s one of those things that takes time, getting people on the same pages, knowing people’s strengths and utilizing those strengths. That’s what we are working towards. Having been on an expansion club, I know that takes time. I believe it will come. I know it will.”