by Anthony J. Merced
New York City FC were defeated 2-0 by Nashville SC to open the 2023 MLS season at GioDOS Stadium in Tennessee. Goals in either half from Walker Zimmerman and Jacob Schaffelburg secured the win for home team to kick off their campaign.
The new NYCFC offense showed little in the way of creativity in the first half, with Nashville pushing the pace and creating the better chances. Early on a ball through from Randall Leal found Schaffelburg but was stopped by City's new starting goalkeeper Luis Barazza. More chances from Teal Bunbury and Nashville's newest signing Sean Davis continued to put the pressure on a shaky NYCFC defense. The game's opening goal came in the 34th minute when Fafa Picault put a dangerous ball into the box that found the head of team captain Walker Zimmerman. His header was initially saved by Barraza but found the back of the net to give Nashville the lead.
City emerged from the locker room in better spirits to start the second half, moving the ball well and creating their own opportunities. Thiago Andrade was able to beat the Nashville keeper Joe Willis and lay a pass into the middle of the box for Matias Pellegrini but the shot was over the bar. City's pressure continued but little in the way of high percentage chances.
Nashville sealed the game in the 80th minute when 2022 league MVP Hany Mukhtar drew two defenders and opened a lane for Schaffelburg to bury a short pass into the net. Tempers ran hot late in the game as defender Maxime Chanot lashed out at a Nashville player, receiving only a yellow card for his foul.
The loss is the first of the season for NYCFC who look to rebound against Chicago at Soldier Field next Sunday.
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