Nashville SC is on the road again this weekend to face NYCFC on Saturday night in Queens, New York.
Saturday marks a rematch of opening night just seven weeks ago, which saw the Boys in Gold triumph 2-0 over NYCFC at GEODIS Park. Nashville SC will face NYCFC for one final time this regular season in the club’s first-ever match in the Five Boroughs.
In the first matchup of 2023, Nashville SC found the three points with goals by captain Walker Zimmerman and winger Jacob Shaffelburg. Now, Nashville returns on the road looking to build on its latest 2-0 away win over Orlando City SC at Exploria Stadium on April 1.
You can watch all the action on Saturday on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app. Season Ticket Members have access to one included membership per account. Haven’t claimed your subscription yet? Check your email for instructions. Not a STM? Learn more and subscribe here.
Here’s everything you need to know about Saturday’s match:
Date: Saturday, April 15
Time: 6:30 p.m. CT
Location: Citi Field (Queens, NY.)
Kit: Man in Black
TV: Watch on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app
Radio: 104.5 The Zone
Watch Party: Diskin Cider
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Keeping The Balance – Nashville SC has maintained a clean sheet in all but two of its seven matches so far this season, including a pair of road shutouts at New York Red Bulls and Orlando City SC.
Head Coach Gary Smith says he anticipates the offense following suit in terms of consistency.
“I’ve not looked at any matches and thought we’ve cut corners on what we’re trying to get out of the match creatively,” Smith said. “I do think, at the moment, there is still growth to be had in some of these relationships, there’s still some development to be had in certain individuals’ form, how creative they are, and the standards they’re setting. Sometimes, it does take the early stages of any season to get into full flow. I think we can safely say we’d all love to see the forwards get on the scoresheet, however that comes about. We’d also like to see these wide players offering a little bit more production.”
Fafà’s Feelin’ Good - Fafà Picault will return to his birthplace over the weekend for this match.
The New York native says he’s adjusting well to his new club with seven matches and one goal under his belt, with the help of fullbacks Dan Lovitz and Shaq Moore creating chemistry on both flanks.
“It’s only a few months in,” Picault said. “It’s just getting to know each fullback and obviously over my career I’ve played 90% of the time on the left side, so naturally it’s easier to slip into different areas on the left side, especially getting the ball to my foot and into space. At the end of the day, the biggest thing for me is just to jump on the field and be the best that I can be for the team. Both wingbacks have done a good job of communicating and easing my adjustment to a new club.”
NYCFC Rematch – These two sides last faced off just a few weeks ago in the season opener on Feb. 25.
While it’s unusual to face a club like NYCFC again so quickly, Smith says he’s expecting a slightly different matchup after a few more weeks of match action.
“There’ll be some familiarity from the opening game of the season,” Smith said. “There’ll be some emotions that are still attached. No doubt both teams are in a slightly different spot with the results that have taken place and some additions for them. Other than that, the usual challenges apply for us away from home against a team that I would think are going to round into form. They are always a very competitive and creative group.”
