NASHVILLE SC NEWS

Sam Surridge - Scores twice in eight starts Surridge bagged two goals across 11 appearances (eight starts) during the 2023 MLS season.

Impact Surridge joined Nashville midway through the season and made his presence felt in the team's deep Leagues Cup run, but he failed to do much in league play, going scoreless in all but one of his appearances. Surridge should adjust to life in Nashville by the time the 2024 season starts, and unless the club makes a major signing, he should be their starting striker by the time the upcoming campaign starts.

DECEMBER 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Anibal Godoy - Logs 21 starts in 2023 Godoy made 25 appearances (21 starts) for Nashville in the 2023 MLS season.

Impact Godoy was a regular starter for Nashville in 2023 while competing with Sean Davis and Dax McCarty for steady minutes in central midfield. With McCarty gone for 2024, all signs point to Godoy having a regular, steady role in the XI for Nashville once again. That said, his fantasy upside is limited. After all, he has just four goals and six assists throughout seven MLS seasons in his career.

DECEMBER 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Daniel Lovitz - Delivers four assists in 2023 Lovitz posted four assists, 38 chances created, 130 crosses, 64 clearances and 58 tackles across 34 starts during the 2023 MLS season.

Impact Lovitz was a regular starter for Nashville on the left side of the defense, and while he wasn't as influential as Shaq Moore on the opposite flank, he still made his mark on both ends of the field. Lovitz has improved his offensive play in recent years and has finished with four or more assists in each of the last three seasons, and he will look to repeat these numbers next year since he remains under contract with Nashville.

DECEMBER 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Shaq Moore - Strong two-way play in 2023 Moore delivered four assists, 102 crosses (27 accurate) and 82 tackles across 34 appearances (33 starts) in 2023.

Impact Moore was a regular presence on the right side of the defense for Nashville, starting in all but one of his appearances, and he dazzled with his two-way play while emerging as one of the best full-backs in the league. His ability to contribute on offense was notorious, but he also left his mark on the defensive end, making a living hell of the opposing wingers who dared to go against him on the flank. Moore should remain one of the first names in Nashville's team sheet for the 2024 campaign.

DECEMBER 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Joe Willis - Gives up only 33 goals Willis gave up 33 goals and recorded 10 clean sheets across 34 starts during the 2023 MLS season.

Impact Willis logged at least 33 starts for the third season in a row, and even though he has benched in favor of Elliot Panicco midway through the campaign and after the Leagues Cup run, Willis closed the campaign in his regular role between the posts. Willis has averaged fewer than 1.0 goal per game while recording double-digit clean sheets in three of his last four campaigns.

DECEMBER 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Walker Zimmerman - Leads defensive line in 2023 Zimmerman racked up 105 clearances and seven clean sheets across 26 appearances (24 starts) during the 2023 MLS season. He also registered two goals and one assist.

Impact Zimmerman has been a consistent presence at the back for Nashville since joining the team back in 2020, marking the fourth straight campaign in which he made at least 25 starts and recorded at least 100 clearances. He's also a threat in set pieces, as evidenced by the fact he found the back of the net twice, but his overall numbers took a dip compared to the previous campaign. Zimmerman is under contract for the 2024 campaign, so he should continue to lead the defensive line next season as well.

DECEMBER 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Hany Mukhtar - Scores 15 goals in 2023 Mukhtar bagged 15 goals and nine assists across 36 appearances (32 starts) during the 2023 MLS season.

Impact Mukhtar was the driving force on offense for Nashville and carried the team into the playoffs once again, but he was unable to lift the team to a deep postseason run despite a successful campaign in the regular season. Mukhtar finished just one assist away from tying his career-best mark at the MLS level, and 2023 also marked the third straight season in which he bagged at least 15 goals. That said, he was far from matching the 23-goal output he delivered in 2022.

DECEMBER 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Dru Yearwood - Traded to Nashville Nashville have acquired Yearwood via a trade with the New York Red Bulls, the club announced Monday. "Dru gives up needed industry and athleticism as a progressive box-to-box midfi...

Impact Nashville acquired the services of the 23-year-old midfielder in exchange for $75,000 in 2024 General Allocation Money (GAM) and up to an additional $75,000 in conditional 2025 GAM. Yearwood should contend for a starting spot in midfield in case the team does not make other prominent signings in that area, and he should fill the void left by the departure of Dax McCarty. Yearwood made 90 appearances for the Red Bulls since joining the club in 2020.

DECEMBER 11, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Lukas MacNaughton - Will stay at Nashville MacNaughton had his option picked up and will remain under contract with Nashville ahead of the 2024 MLS season, the club announced Thursday.

Impact MacNaughton made 14 starts across 16 appearances since joining Nashville in April via trade with Toronto FC. He was a decent alternative off the bench to back up Walker Zimmerman and Jack Maher. and was often the first option to feature when one of those two regulars needed time off. MacNaughton should remain a depth option at center-back for Nashville in 2024 and should see decent minutes regardless of whether he's a starter or a bench alternative.

NOVEMBER 30, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Josh Bauer - Option picked up for 2024 Bauer had his option picked up and will remain under contract with Nashville ahead of the 2024 MLS season, the club announced Thursday.

Impact Bauer made just four starts in the 2023 MLS season, but he was a decent alternative off the bench to back up Walker Zimmerman, Jack Maher and Lukas MacNaughton. He should remain a depth option at center-back for Nashville in 2024, though he's only expected to have a big role if the team suffers a rash of injuries on the defensive line.

NOVEMBER 30, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Orlando blanks Nashville again, advances to East semis Nov 7, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville SC midfielder Anibal Godoy (20) heads the ball against Orlando City forward Ivan Angulo (7...

NOVEMBER 8, 2023 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM

Fafa Picault - Four crosses during finale Picault had four crosses (zero accurate) and one tackle in Tuesday's 1-0 defeat to Orlando City SC.

Impact Excluding the elimination game, Picault attempted more than two crosses only once in 2023. He did not have a consistent starting role after attending the Gold Cup, logging just seven starts and three absences across Nashville SC's last three games of 2023. Before attending the Gold Cup, Picault logged four goals and one assist across 17 games. He would score just one goal the rest of the way.

NOVEMBER 7, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Anibal Godoy - Attempts four crosses Godoy recorded four crosses (two accurate) and one chance created in Tuesday's 1-0 loss against Orlando City SC. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 24th minute.

Impact Godoy was shifted from central midfielder to left midfielder. While he logged more crosses, the move was largely ineffective, as Nashville SC could not prevent playoff elimination Tuesday. Godoy finished 2023 with 12 chances created, 10 crosses (four accurate) and seven shots (three on goal) across 25 games (21 starts).

NOVEMBER 7, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Daniel Lovitz - Quiet against Orlando City Lovitz registered two shots (one on goal) in Tuesday's 1-0 defeat against Orlando City SC. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 93rd minute.

Impact Lovitz finished the elimination game with zero crosses, which he logged only thrice across his 34 games in 2023. Despite the first-round playoff elimination, he fared well in most categories. Compared to 2022, Lovitz crossed less but crossed more accurately (34 accurate crosses) and took more corners (67). Lovitz equaled his 2022 assist tally in 2023, during which he logged four assists.

NOVEMBER 7, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Shaq Moore - Attempts eight crosses Moore generated one shot (zero on goal), eight crosses (three accurate) and three chances created in Tuesday's 1-0 loss versus Orlando City SC.

Impact Perhaps because it was Nashville SC had to fend off elimination, Moore finished the season with his season high in crosses. In 2023, Moore attempted 102 of them, exactly double what he attempted during 2022. Among his 102 crosses, 27 were accurate, just one less than the amount of chances he created (28). In total, Moore finished 2023 with four assists, quadruple of what he logged during 2022. It is safe to say Moore had a much better season this year.

NOVEMBER 7, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Joe Willis - Concedes season-ending goal Willis recorded four saves and allowed one goal in Tuesday's 1-0 loss against Orlando City SC.

Impact Willis played well, but Nashville SC being unable to score meant the team's 2023 season is done. He finished this year with 107 saves, 33 goals conceded, 13 clearances and 10 clean sheets. The 33 goals is his lowest since 2020, when he logged eight fewer appearances. Willis' 107 saves are his new career-best across a single season, which was definitely a good one to say the least.

NOVEMBER 7, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Road warriors Orlando City vie for clincher vs. Nashville SC Oct 30, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando City SC midfielder Wilder Cartagena (16) against Nashville SC in the second half at Exploria St...

NOVEMBER 6, 2023 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM

Randall Leal - Questionable once more Leal (leg) is questionable for Tuesday's clash with Orlando, according to the Nashville injury report.

Impact Leal was questionable for the first leg but didn't play and is now questionable once more. The midfielder being absent saw Alex Muyl slot into the starting XI last time out. If Leal can't go Tuesday than it is Muyl who stands to gain another start.

NOVEMBER 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Jack Maher - Logs five clearances in loss Maher made five clearances, one interception and two blocks during Monday's 1-0 loss against Orlando.

Impact Maher put up another nice performance at the heart of the defense for Nashville, pacing his side in clearances and imposing his will against opposing forwards. With 33 clearances over his last four starts, the center-back will be essential during Game 2 of the series that will be played on Nov. 7 at Nashville.

OCTOBER 31, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Jack Maher - Logs five clearances in loss Maher made five clearances, one interception and two blocks during Monday's 1-0 loss against Orlando.

Impact Maher put up another nice performance at the heart of the defense for Nashville, pacing his side in clearances and imposing his will against opposing forwards. With 33 clearances over his last four starts, the center-back will be essential during Game 2 of the series that will be played on Nov. 7 at Nashville.

OCTOBER 31, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Walker Zimmerman - Busy defensively versus Orlando Zimmerman made two tackles (one won), four clearances, one interception and three blocks during Monday's 1-0 loss against Orlando.

Impact Zimmerman had his hands full against a dynamic Orlando offense during the playoff opener and it's safe to say that it was the hard work of the defensive line what kept Nashville alive in the game. With 25 clearances over his last four starts, the captain will try to keep up with the strong play during Nov. 7 Game 2 of the series.

OCTOBER 31, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Walker Zimmerman - Busy defensively versus Orlando Zimmerman made two tackles (one won), four clearances, one interception and three blocks during Monday's 1-0 loss against Orlando.

Impact Zimmerman had his hands full against a dynamic Orlando offense during the playoff opener and it's safe to say that it was the hard work of the defensive line what kept Nashville alive in the game. With 25 clearances over his last four starts, the captain will try to keep up with the strong play during Nov. 7 Game 2 of the series.

OCTOBER 31, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Joe Willis - Makes four saves in loss Willis made four saves and conceded one goal during Monday's 1-0 loss against Orlando.

Impact Willis made a great job between the posts during the first half but then came Wilder Cartagena to beat him with a spectacular long-range finish just before halftime and score what ended up being a game-winner for the opposition. The goalkeeper, who kept three clean sheets over his last six regular season starts, will need to be at his best to keep his team alive in the series on Nov. 7 when Nashville hosts Game 2.

OCTOBER 31, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Joe Willis - Makes four saves in loss Willis made four saves and conceded one goal during Monday's 1-0 loss against Orlando.

Impact Willis made a great job between the posts during the first half but then came Wilder Cartagena to beat him with a spectacular long-range finish just before halftime and score what ended up being a game-winner for the opposition. The goalkeeper, who kept three clean sheets over his last six regular season starts, will need to be at his best to keep his team alive in the series on Nov. 7 when Nashville hosts Game 2.

OCTOBER 31, 2023 • ROTOWIRE