NYCFC, RBNY lose MLS season openers

Walker Zimmerman and Jacob Shaffelburg scored and Nashville SC defeated New York City FC 2-0 on Saturday in the first game of the Major Soccer League season.

Zimmerman scored following a free kick after Fafa Picault centered the ball in front of the goal in the 34th minute for a 1-0 lead.

Shaffelburg’s goal came in the 80th minute off an assist from Hany Mukhtar.

Joe Willis made the saves on NYCFC’s two shots on goal. Nashville outshot NYCFC 9-8, with four shots on goal.

Nashville had a win and a draw against NYCFC last season — its first.

Facundo Torres scored a 56th minute penalty as Orlando SC held off the visiting New York Red Bulls, 1-0.

Orlando was awarded the penalty when Red Bulls defender Sean Nealis committed a hand ball in the box.

Torres sent his left-footed shot up the middle against Red Bulls goalie Carlos Coronel.

KIRK LEADS HONDA CLASSIC BY 2

Chris Kirk’s last win on the PGA Tour was nearly eight years ago. He’s put himself in a position to change that at the Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Kirk battled his way to a 4-under round of 66, putting him at 13-under 197 for the week and giving him a two-shot lead over Eric Cole (66) through three rounds at PGA National.

His last win on tour was at Colonial in 2015 — 180 tournaments ago. He’s a four-time winner on tour, played in the Presidents Cup in 2015, and has been waiting to hoist a trophy again since.

WINNIPEG GET NIEDERREITER

The Winnipeg Jets acquired forward Nino Niederreiter from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.

The 30-year-old Niederreiter had 18 goals and 10 assists over 56 games for the Predators this season.

He has totaled 199 goals and 197 assists over 788 career NHL games with Nashville, the New York Islanders, Minnesota and Carolina. Niederreiter also has 15 goals and 15 assists in 82 career playoff games.