MLS: Nashville defeated unrecognizable New York City FC in 2023 season opener [Videos]

New York City FC didn’t have it all with them in their 2023 Major League Soccer (MLS) season opener, losing 2-0 to Nashville in what was also the opening game of the entire league.

Nashville demonstrated a clear dominance from the start of the game and reflected it on the scoreboard at minute 34 through Walker Zimmerman, who was in charge of scoring the first goal of the season after picking up a loose ball in the area as a result of a play from stopped ball.

The New York team sought to react quickly and despite having possession of the ball in their favor, they failed to translate that advantage into goals. For its part, the local team did know how to take advantage of the opportunities it had and at minute 80, they managed to liquidate the result with a goal from Jacob Shaffelburg after a counterattack.

Nashville was without Hany Mukhtar from the start due to hip discomfort, however, the one who was last season’s MLS Most Valuable Player entered in the 75th minute and was instrumental in his team’s second goal, the which began with a great individual play on his part.

It must be taken into account that New York City, which was clearly dominated in this match, is going through a process of rebuilding its squad after losing important players such as the Argentine Maxi Morález, the Brazilian Héber, the Peruvian Alexander Callens, the goalkeeper Sean Johnson, among others.

Tribute to Grant Wahl

On the other hand, Nashville SC took the opportunity to host the opening game of the campaign and paid a heartfelt tribute in their press box to journalist Grant Wahl, who died while covering the United States team at the past World Cup Qatar 2022. This act was also replicated by the other teams in the league.

It should be noted that the 2023 MLS season comes with great news such as the debut of a new team, St. Louis City; the premiere of the Leagues Cup, a new official competition in which all the MLS and Liga MX teams will participate; and the entry of Apple, which has bought the rights to stream the MLS worldwide for 10 years.

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