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Hany Mukhtar’s defense of his MVP and Golden Boot titles began with him watching the first 75 minutes of Nashville SC’s successful season opener from the sideline.

Hip tightness kept him from starting before he subbed on and made a late contribution. Nashville SC hopes their star can start Saturday’s visit to the New York Red Bulls in Harrison, N.J.

Nashville (1-0-0, 3 points) is seeking the first 2-0 start in the four-year history of the club after opening the season with last week’s 2-0 victory over New York City FC. Walker Zimmerman scored the first goal in the 34th minute as Mukhtar looked on.

Mukhtar, who totaled 23 goals and 11 assists last season, had dealt with hip tightness during the preseason. Five minutes after he was subbed in, he contributed to Jacob Shaffelburg’s goal. He notched an assist when he quickly moved the ball after four defenders came over to cover him.

Nashville’s win came in a game when four of its nine shots were on target and it held possession for just 38 percent of the match. Nashville made the most of its possession by getting others to contribute, as center forward Teal Bunbury, wingers Fafa Picault and Randall Leal made plays leading up to the goals.

“To come out here tonight, the new jerseys and in the first game of the season it was an amazing feeling,” Picault said.

The Red Bulls (0-1-0, 0 points) are hoping to avoid their second 0-2 start in three seasons after dropping a 1-0 decision last week at Orlando City.

New York took 14 shots, but 10 missed the net and the team was doomed by a key miscue that led to the only goal. Sean Nealis was charged with a hand ball in the 56th minute and it led to Carlos Coronel allowing a goal to Facundo Torres on a penalty kick.

“We had some very, very good moments in Orlando,” Red Bulls coach Gerhard Struber said. “Of course, we speak about what we have to do better and when you have three or four highlight chances, you have to use that.”

The Red Bulls are 1-0-1 in the previous two meetings with Nashville and 8-3-2 in home openers in Harrison.

–Field Level Media