New York City Football Club kick off the 2023 MLS Regular Season with a trip to Tennessee to take on Nashville SC.
For this edition of 'The Away End' presented by Berkeley College & Rennert International, we spoke to Drake Hills, soccer writer for the Tennessean.
How would you evaluate the 2022 season for Nashville?
Lopsided, yet very respectable. Nashville became the fifth expansion team in MLS history to make the playoffs in its first three seasons. But it began 2022 playing eight straight road games in wait for Geodis Park to open. Even after Nashville opened its stadium in May, the team still played home games like it was on the road: defensive low-block, counter-attacking soccer. But as the summer warmed up, so did forward Hany Mukhtar. His MLS MVP candidacy started then. There were breakout performances from midseason acquisition Jacob Shaffelburg. But Mukhtar’s 34 combined goal contributions carried Nashville to yet another playoff berth.
What have been the major changes to the team during the offseason?
Nashville traded for Fafa Picault in November’s two-day trade window. Picault teaming up with Shaffelburg opposite him will give Nashville speed like it’s never had in that part of the field.
What do you feel are the team's strengths heading into the game?
Playing at home on the first game of the season creates a natural excitement and anticipation for fans, so home-field advantage is one. Another is ambiguity. Adding Picault and signing Shaffelburg permanently this offseason potentially means a different role for Randall Leal. Does coach Gary Smith start two or play all three? If he does the latter, what does that look like? It remains to be seen what Nashville will do tactically.
If you were to identify Nashville's dangerman, who would that be?
For this game, I’m taking Shaffelburg. He’ll be the “X factor” of sorts. Keep an eye on that battle between him and Tayvon Gray.
And finally, for any fans that might be in Nashville for the game, are there any pregame spots you'd suggest checking out?
Smokin Thighs on Wedgewood Avenue, located on the north side of the stadium, has a BBQ chicken sandwich that simply hits different. Nothing beats that kind of meal paired with a five-minute walk to the stadium entry gates.
