Ahmed Qasem
NSH
Left Winger
Center Midfielder
Half-Space Orchestrator
Jul 12, 2003 (23)
Left
6'0"
159 lb
Available after duty
Qasem is available for Nashville SC's MLS clash against Austin FC on Saturday after being omitted from the league's latest injury report following the international break.
Analysis: Qasem was initially called up by Iraq for the international window but was absent from the national team's squad for its first friendly, with the reason for his omission remaining unclear. Regardless, the midfielder is now available for club duties after recording two goals and one assist across 22 MLS appearances (11 starts) this season. He has primarily served as a rotational option and was an unused substitute in his last two matches before the break, making a reserve role more likely than a return to the starting XI against Austin.
Misses first friendly
Qasem is not with Iraq for their first friendly during the international break, according to Valair Shabilla of 615 Soccer.
Analysis: Qasem was expected to be off with Iraq for the international break, but has yet to arrive with the team, as the midfielder is not in the squad for their first friendly. It is unknown if this is due to travel, an injury or if he is remaining with Nashville for another match before departing. That said, it would be a minor addition if he remains with Nashville for another game, mainly serving as depth.
Called up by Iraq
Qasem has been called up by Iraq for international matches between Sept. 23 and Sept. 29 and will miss the Sept. 26 MLS match against Toronto FC.
Analysis: Qasem will be unavailable against Toronto due to international duty, though his absence should have limited impact on the regular starting XI. The midfielder has primarily operated in a rotational role this season and was unused in each of the last two matches, recording two goals and one assist across 22 MLS appearances, including 11 starts. Qasem is expected to return in time for the Oct. 10 match against Austin FC.
Ices game with goal
Qasem took two shots and scored a goal in one minute of action off the bench in Saturday's 4-0 win over FC Cincinnati.
Analysis: Qasem iced the game after entering the match in stoppage time, notching his second goal of the season. He has only logged 21 minutes across the last four matches, and should continue to deputize as a sub with the recent addition of Elias Saad. Up next is a road tilt with NYCFC on Saturday.
Available as substitute Saturday
Qasem (undisclosed) is on the bench Saturday against Inter Miami.
Analysis: Qasem is coming off scoring his second goal of the season during a Leagues Cup clash with Monterrey. However, he also finished that match with some discomfort, so his playing time will be managed in the resumption of league activity. He's likely to remain in contention with Elias Saad and Cristian Espinoza on the wings, looking to create and finish opportunities for one of the strongest sides in the competition.
Forced off with assistance
Qasem (undisclosed) was forced off with assistance in the 83rd minute of Wednesday's 2-1 Leagues Cup loss to Monterrey, a game in which he scored one goal for Nashville, according to Blaine Kellar of Main Street Preps.
Analysis: Qasem scored one goal during the clash before needing help to leave the field, raising some concern about the nature of the issue. Further clarity on the severity should emerge in the coming days and his status for the club's next game against Inter Miami on August 15 will be worth monitoring as the situation develops.
Logs 16-minute start
Qasem logged 16 minutes during Iraq's 5-0 loss Friday against Senegal.
Analysis: Iraq wasted little time pulling players early, which not only includes goalkeeper Ahmed Basil but also the MLS mainstay in Qasem. In the World Cup, he created one cross and attempted a chance, which is not much. Qasem's focus shifts back to the MLS, where he regularly started out wide for Nashville SC before his WC call-up earlier during June.
Creates one chance in defeat
Qasem registered one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Monday's 3-0 loss to France.
Analysis: Qasem replaced Ali Jasim in the starting XI for Monday's clash but didn't really find a good chance to threaten the opposition. Furthermore, the Nashville winger won only three of his eight duels over his 90 minutes on the pitch. He'll remain in contention for playing time and might offer some creative value if he plays in the next matchup against Senegal.
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