Three key position battles to watch for Nashville SC in 2023 preseason
Nashville SC kicked off its first of seven preseason games on Saturday with a 1-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls that was played behind closed doors at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
Coach Gary Smith said winger Randall Leal exited the game after 32 minutes "with a little bit of a scare" due to a hamstring injury. Right back Shaq Moore did not play as the U.S. men's national team defender continues to work towards game fitness.
Six preseason games remain, with the next being against the U.S. men's under-20 youth national team on Tuesday in Tampa. Here are three positions to watch as Nashville approaches its season opener on Feb. 25 against New York City FC.
Winger: Shaffelburg, Picault
On Nov. 16, Nashville announced Jacob Shaffelburg's expected permanent transfer from Toronto FC, which was priced at a maximum $350,000 in general allocation money (GAM), after joining Nashville on loan in August.
The announcement came one week after Nashville acquired veteran winger Fafa Picault, age 31, from Houston Dynamo FC for up to $250,000 in GAM during the postseason two-day transfer window, giving Smith two options on the wing — both known for impeccable speed. Smith said acquiring Picault brings "some serious competition," but said he's been delighted with Shaffelburg so far.
"Do I think he can improve? Can he add more goals? Can he add more creative moments and assists? Absolutely," Smith said of the 23-year-old Canadian, who scored two goals during his three-month loan in 2022.
"But I would expect him to be a real important feature of the group, as we saw his athleticism, his pace and his individual moments can change the course of the game in the blink of an eye," Smith added. "I think we've got some real good competition and depth in those wide areas now and that can only obviously drag the very best out of each of the individuals."
Center backs: Maher, DePuy
Two weeks ago, Nashville announced it traded three-year starting center back Dave Romney to the New England Revolution for $525,000 in GAM, reporting it traded for Los Angeles Galaxy center back Nick DePuy.
However, Nashville's first-ever MLS SuperDraft pick Jack Maher has been groomed behind Romney and Walker Zimmerman as a future starting center back in MLS.
"Is it his time to step into that void? I think there's as good a chance as any for Jack right now to do that. But I think the addition of Nick DePuy has been a really good one as well. …But if you look at what Nick's achieved, what he represents, some of the qualities Nick adds, I think that that line looks as competitive as he has done without Dave. And that's all due respect to him, but we all move on."
Central midfield: Davis, Godoy, McCarty
Two spots. Three starters.
The positive dilemma in central midfield is not necessarily a position battle, but rather a decision based on balance, cohesion and matchup.
With the additions of Shaffelburg and Moore at winger and right back, respectively, Smith's 4-4-2 formation is full-figured. However, that shape means just two spots are open in central midfield, as opposed to playing all three like in the 2022 season opener at Seattle Sounders.
Davis and Godoy started together in Saturday's preseason debut, while McCarty came on in the second half. That may be the configuration for opening day in 33 days against NYCFC.
For stories about Nashville SC or Soccer in Tennessee, contact Drake Hills at DHills@gannett.com. Follow Drake on Twitter at @LiveLifeDrake. Connect with Drake on Instagram at @drakehillssoccer and on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: The three position battles to watch for in Nashville SC 2023 season
