The current New York City FC roster hardly resembles the club that won the MLS Cup less than 15 months ago.
Meanwhile, Nashville SC likely needs to prove they are truly more than a one-man show to keep rising in their fourth year in the league.
Reigning league MVP Hany Mukhtar and Nashville host NYCFC on Saturday afternoon as the teams open the 2023 MLS season.
NYCFC are looking to overcome departures to several key contributors. Only three starters — Tayvon Gray, Maxime Chanot and Alfredo Morales — remain from the squad that won the 2021 MLS Cup.
That said, the NYCFC cupboard isn’t bare after they finished third in the Eastern Conference last season and reached the league semifinals. Gabriel Pereira had eight goals and four assists during his first MLS season, and Talles Magno scored a career-high seven. Keaton Parks is a budding star in the midfield.
“Everybody’s looking forward to starting again,” Chanot said.
“We work hard. We work well … We’re well prepared. It’s going to be a tough game. Nashville are not easy to play against.”
Nashville is trying to reach the playoffs for the fourth time in as many MLS seasons. And, while Mukhtar looks to build on a memorable season of posting 23 of his team’s 52 regular-season goals, and had 11 assists, Nashville might need more from his supporting cast.
C.J. Sapong, Teal Bunbury and new addition Fafa Picault have enjoyed successful careers, but all are in their 30s. Meanwhile, the miles are also adding up for defensive stalwart Walker Zimmerman, who will turn 30 in May.
However, as far as coach Gary Smith is concerned, if his guys go hard in training, the collective fire and focus should carry over.
“The competition daily is the key to keeping the group in a very competitive position,” said Smith, whose contract was extended through 2025.
“The competition in itself will, I think, spur these guys on to what will hopefully be a better season than any we’ve had before.”
Nashville SC won their only previous home match with NYCFC in 2021. Previously dominating at home, including a 25-game unbeaten run over all competitions, they were just 4-5-3 at home last season starting in late June.
–Field Level Media
