Gary Smith is not disheartened by Nashville’s loss to Columbus Crew and instead wants his players to take confidence into their clash with Eastern Conference strugglers DC United.

Nashville’s four-match unbeaten run was ended in a 2-0 defeat to the division’s top team last weekend but they remain ninth, which is enough for a place in the play-in round.

Smith has made no secret of his desire to finish even higher up the table in the expansion side’s first year in the league, with DC – seeking a second win in 11 – up next.

“For a team like us that is developing and constantly trying to move forward, that are always trying to reinforce some of the qualities of our game,” Smith said.

“I think the Columbus game embodies an awful lot of that. We showed a wonderful attitude away from home.

“We were terrific with the ball. We can feel frustrated