We’re continuing our 2023 report cards with a look at Nashville SC defender Dan Lovitz, who continues to be one of the Coyotes’ most consistent and reliable players.
2023 Grade: A
2023 by the numbers
Matches played:Â 43 (T-2nd on Nashville SC)
Minutes played:Â 4,090 (1st on Nashville SC)
Goals: 0
Assists: 7 (T-2nd on Nashville SC)
Clean sheets: 9
Goal contributions per 96 minutes: 0.16 (12th on Nashville SC)
2023 in review
Lovitz was Nashville’s iron man. He played in all but three matches in 2023; a U.S. Open Cup match in which he was rested, and two matches in which he was suspended. Of his 43 appearances, 41 matches were starts, as Lovitz had his name written in sharpie on Gary Smith’s whiteboard.
Lovitz’s seven assists were the most on Nashville SC behind Hany Mukhtar, and he was a consistent source of chance creation in an attack that regressed significantly in 2023. Per American Soccer Analysis, his 3.28 expected assists were the fourth-most among MLS left backs, as were his 34 key passes.
Despite Nashville’s game plan calling for Shaq Moore to be the more aggressive of the two fullbacks, Lovitz still managed to deliver the superior service into the box. His quality on the ball was a significant asset in possession, and his versatility in defense provided cover centrally when Nashville struggled with injuries.
Looking forward
Lovitz will turn 33 next season, but he’s beem a rock for Nashville for the last four seasons. It’s hard to see him not maintaining a similar level for the Coyotes next season. Expect him to once again be a key player for Nashville in 2024.
Moment of the season
After the absolute insanity of Nashville’s Leagues Cup Round of 16 draw against Club América and the ensuing penalty shootout chaos, Lovitz stepped up and dispatched the winning kick to send Nashville through to the quarterfinals.
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How many of his assists were from corners taken?