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Orlando City vs. Nashville SC: Final Score 3-2 as Lions Melt Down and Concede Twice Late

Orlando loses its first home game of the year after two late headers turn the game around at the end.

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4 years ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

Orlando City managed to concede three times — twice after the 88th minute — to a Nashville SC team that has struggled to put the ball in the net all season. With the meltdown, the Lions (11-4-8, 41 points) blew a late 2-1 lead and fell at Exploria Stadium for the first time all season, 3-2. Hany Mukhtar scored in the 88th minute and a completely unmarked Jhonder Cádiz added another in the 93rd minute to undo the lead over Nashville (8-7-8, 32 points) that Daryl Dike and Nani had provided.

It was Orlando’s first ever loss to Nashville in three meetings (1-1-1), snapped a three-game winning streak, and knocked the Lions down to fourth place in the final regular-season standings. The Cádiz goal was particularly troubling because it came on a late free kick that was drawn on a bit of a dive by Matt LaGrassa and because the forward was left completely unmarked just in front of goal. Orlando has had an ongoing problem with conceding late set piece goals and it bit them again in the home finale.

With the quick turnaround at the end, Orlando missed its opportunity to equal its most wins and most points in an MLS season and the Lions enter the postseason after one of the team’s worst letdowns since joining Major League Soccer.

“Obviously the game did not end the way we wanted,” Head Coach Oscar Pareja said after the match. “We have to sharpen things, especially in those key moments of concentration. And it has been something that we have been working on. We will keep doing it.”

Pareja shuffled his lineup a bit, starting Brian Rowe in goal behind a back line of Kyle Smith, Robin Jansson, Antonio Carlos, and Ruan. Jordan Bender got his first MLS start in the midfield with Mauricio Pereyra suspended due to yellow card accumulation, alongside Junior Urso, Andres Perea, and Chris Mueller. Dike returned to the starting lineup to lead the attack, along with Nani.

The Lions started quickly, getting into the box just seconds after the whistle. Mueller tried to free himself for a shot inside the first minute and went down under contact but nothing was given. But moments later, the Lions created a turnover and scored in transition.

Mueller dribbled at Nashville’s back line before dishing off to Dike on his right. The big rookie set his feet and blasted a pinpoint accurate shot from the right side off the left post and in to make it 1-0 in the fourth minute with his eighth goal of the season.

Orlando City continued to try to pick through the stingy Nashville defense. Ruan cut inside in the ninth minute and tried to pick out a streaking Nani but his pass was just a bit off line and the defense sent it out for a corner. Three minutes later, Perea was set up in space at the top of the area but skied his shot well over the bar on an effort which he should have done better on.

Nashville forced a save in the 18th off a corner kick when the Lions cleared it to the top corner of the area and Dax McCarty fired right at Rowe. Orlando had set its defense deep to deal with Walker Zimmerman and Dave Romney and left the top of the area unguarded. That came into play on the tying goal two minutes later.

The Lions cleared another set piece in the 20th minute but could only get the ball just outside the area, where Daniel Lovitz picked it up with time and space and sent a long-range effort into the corner of the net past Rowe to tie the match at 1-1.

The game got chippy shortly after that, with Nashville picking up two quick yellow cards in succession in the 28th and 29th minutes. Derrick Jones was booked for a foul on Junior Urso, and then moments later, Anibal Godoy was booked for a hand across Nani’s face that left the Orlando captain with a bloodied lip.

The Lions nearly regained the lead in the 33rd minute when Bender crossed a ball in for Dike. The rookie headed it on goal and picked out a good spot but he couldn’t get much power on it and that gave Joe Willis just enough time to make a diving save.

McCarty was booked for holding up Mueller in the 37th minute and was extremely lucky not to pick up a second yellow card in the 40th on a rough challenge on Perea. The veteran player may have gotten the benefit of the doubt with referee David Gantar on the play, but Orlando’s players were incensed, particularly Jansson, who ran about 30 yards to argue about it.

That was it for the first-half chances and the teams went to the break tied at 1-1. First half shots were level at 5-5 and shots on target were also the same (2-2). Nashville led in corners (2-1), while Orlando City held more possession (53.1%-46.9%) and was more accurate in passing (88%-86%).

Tesho Akindele subbed on at the half for Bender and the Lions immediately pressed for a go-ahead goal. Nani sent a nice cross in for Akindele in the 49th but the defense arrived just in time to nod it out of harm’s way. Mueller had a shot blocked at the top of the area a minute later and Nani fizzed a long-range effort over the bar in the 52nd.

Nashville tried to hit back just after that with a Derrick Jones drive that Rowe was able to fight off.

Orlando regained the lead in the 60th after Kyle Smith was fouled just outside the area. Nani lined up the free kick and sent a beauty over the wall and just inside the near post to make it 2-1. It was the captain’s sixth goal of the year.

Mueller nearly found an insurance goal in the 63rd with a shot from the top of the box that Willis got a hand on to push just wide of the post.

The ensuing corner kick pinged around the box and fell at Carlos’ feet. The defender was able to turn with a couple of quick touches and fired a shot wide with his left foot.

Both teams started to substitute over the next 15 minutes without many looks at goal on either end. Nashville couldn’t get on a free kick in the 73rd and Ruan sent a left-footed shot wide in the 76th minute. Ruan sent a floater headed inside the back post in the 81st, but Willis got a hand to it.

Rowe made a save on a shot from the left in the 85th that looked to be headed inside the back post. Just after that, Orlando made a final sub, sending midfielder Joey DeZart on for Nani, rather than sending on an extra center back to play five at the back as we’ve seen in other matches this season.

The Nashville comeback started in the 88th out of seemingly nothing. Alex Muyl had the ball in the left corner with Ruan defending and sent an inch-perfect cross into the area that sailed just inches over Carlos, who had drifted too far away from Hany Mukhtar. The German easily nodded the cross into the back of the net to make it 2-2.

The Lions tried to pull that goal right back Ruan drew a foul just to the right of the box. Second-half sub Sebas Mendez played a short pass on the ground to Perea who fired a shot just over the crossbar in the 90th minute.

A few minutes later, LaGrassa left his feet after feeling light contact high from Smith and Gantar gave the foul. Mukhtar took the free kick and sent his cross into the box where CĂĄdiz was unmarked. It appeared that Ruan and Smith were left on the back side to defend Muyl and CĂĄdiz, with both Carlos and DeZart dealing with Dave Romney. Muyl appeared to wall off Ruan from getting to CĂĄdiz, leaving him free in front of goal. Rowe got in position in time, but the header had too much power and got through him for the winning goal.

“It was just kind of two plays tonight that that decided that game,” Rowe said. “It’s just kind of fine tuning those little things.”

“There is much more we can do, for sure,” Pareja said about late lapses on set pieces. “It is our responsibility to prepare the boys and their responsibility obviously just to solve those problems, especially when teams are coming at the end with set plays, a corner, or something like that. For sure we will keep doing it. I think today it is even more painful because the game meant a lot.”

The Lions had no time to equalize because seconds later the game was over, as Gantar gave no extra time beyond the original four minutes of stoppage time originally given.

Orlando had more shot attempts (13-11), but Nashville got more on goal (6-4). The visitors won more corners (6-3), while the Lions held more possession (51.9%-48.1%) and was more accurate passing the ball (84%-83%).

The Lions fell at home in their home finale for the second straight year. Orlando is 3-3-0 in home finales and just 1-5-0 in regular-season finales since joining MLS in 2015.

“It’s tough to swallow this game,” Rowe said. “It hurts, but I think we need to reiterate that it doesn’t take away from what we’ve accomplished this year so far.”

“It was a game [that] brought moments where we were frustrated, especially the way it ended,” Pareja said. “But we can’t forget what the boys have done during this year. They qualified in the playoffs, they qualified in the best four in a tough conference, and they’ll be ready for playoffs.”

That’s it for the regular season, but unlike in years past, it won’t be the Lions’ last match of the year. The playoffs lie ahead. Orlando City will face New York City FC at home with the day and time to be announced.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/26/25

Orlando City rises in MLS power rankings, Emily Sams called up, Orlando City B faces Crown Legacy FC tonight, and more.

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2 hours ago

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March 26, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’ve been spending the week reading and eating my way through a pork shoulder after making way too much of it in my slow cooker this weekend. It wasn’t as tender as I was shooting for, but it’ll take some time before I can take another crack at it. But enough about that, let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world!

Orlando City Rises in MLS Power Rankings

The league’s latest power rankings are out and Orlando City has moved up two spots to 14th after its 4-1 victory over D.C. United. Orlando’s Designated Players are firing on all cylinders and no MLS team has scored more goals this year. The breakout of 20-year-old defender Alex Freeman, who was noted as one of the top young performers from this past weekend, is also worth recognition. The Lions have been in need of a young player to step up, and Freeman has done well so far. Orlando will be back in action on Saturday for a road match against an LA Galaxy side still searching for its first win of the season.

Emily Sams Called Up For USWNT Friendlies

Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams was one of 24 players called up by United States Women’s National Team Head Coach Emma Hayes for the training camp prior to friendlies against Brazil next month. Forward Trinity Rodman, who hasn’t played for the U.S. since the Olympics, is back in the mix after missing time due to injury. Houston Dash defender Avery Patterson and Manchester United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce are other interesting players to keep an eye on. The U.S. will take on Brazil April 5 at SoFi Stadium before a rematch on April 8 at PayPal Park.

OCB Plays Crown Legacy FC Tonight

The Young Lions are back in action tonight for a road match against Crown Legacy FC at 7 p.m. It’s OCB’s first away match of the season after a pair of solid results at Osceola Heritage Park to start the season. Orlando will take on a Crown Legacy team that’s only played one game so far this season, losing a shootout to New York City FC II after a 1-1 draw back on March 7. Following tonight’s match, OCB will get some time off before taking on Chattanooga FC in Tennessee on April 5.

Takeaway From USMNT Defeats

After losing both Concacaf Nations League matches, there is plenty of concern surrounding the United States Men’s National Team as it prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Fullback Joe Scally struggled in both matches, putting more of an emphasis on Antonee Robinson and Sergino Dest being ready to roll next summer. Weston McKennie lost duels left and right and there are some real questions regarding where he fits in Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino’s system. There were bright spots as well though. Diego Luna and Patrick Agyemang likely boosted their stock after solid offensive efforts, and Tanner Tessmann was effective in his time on the field. Overall, the Yanks will have to be better in this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup.

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That’s all I have for you all this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday. Go Young Lions!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/25/25

Lions earn plaudits, Marco Pasalic up for Goal of the Week, Kylie Nadaner’s performance honored, and more.

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1 day ago

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March 25, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Tuesday, everyone! It was a great weekend for Orlando soccer as the two teams that were in action each picked up wins for a six-point weekend. It was done in exciting fashion too, as Orlando City and the Orlando Pride combined to score six goals between them. With a little luck, we’ll get to enjoy some similar results this coming weekend. We’ve got a lot to discuss this morning though, so let’s talk through today’s links.

Lions’ Performances Earn Plaudits

Orlando City blew D.C. United away 4-1 on Saturday, and some of the key performers from the win have been rewarded with places in the MLS Team of the Matchday. Martin Ojeda and Alex Freeman are named to the starting XI while Luis Muriel slots in on the bench to ensure the squad has a decidedly purple tint. Ojeda tallied a goal and two assists in a Man of the Match performance, Freeman did his best to match him with a goal and an assist of his own, and Muriel made his own impact by scoring the opening goal and logging a secondary assist. Here’s hoping they keep up the good work!

Marco Pasalic Up for Weekly Honors

Marco Pasalic was the only goal scorer from Saturday’s win to not be included in the MLS Team of the Matchday, but instead he finds himself nominated for the MLS Goal of the Matchday. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you which strike I’m talking about, but in case you’ve been living under a rock for the last several days, the Croatian did this to score Orlando’s fourth goal of the win.

Between the fluid buildup and the beauty of the strike itself, if this doesn’t win Goal of the Week then we live in a world without justice. Make sure you go vote!

Pride’s Kylie Nadaner Earns Recognition

The Orlando Pride beat NJ/NY Gotham FC 2-0 on the road on Sunday, and center back Kylie Nadaner has been nominated for the NWSL Player of the Week due to her contributions in the match. Nadaner got the start at center back and helped the Pride keep a clean sheet — marking the first time the club has ever begun a season with back-to-back shutouts. While it wasn’t the Pride’s cleanest defensive performance, Nadaner and her fellow defenders mostly did a good job at preventing any truly dangerous chances, and in the end Orlando picked up three good points away from home.

U.S. Women Announce Three Matches

The United States Women’s National Team has announced three friendlies that will take place during the summer, with two occurring in June and the other in early July. The first two will be against Ireland in Colorado on June 26 and again against the Irish on June 29 in Cincinnati. The last match will be held on July 2 with an opponent and location for the game to be announced at a later date. It will be the first meeting between the U.S. and Ireland since April 2023, when the sides met in a pair of matches during the buildup to the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The USWNT won both of those matches and will try to replicate the feat in a few months.

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  • Barba Banda had hateful language directed towards her during Sunday’s game, and the NWSL, Pride, and Gotham FC have all come out with strong responses.

That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/24/25

Lions and Pride win, USMNT falls to Canada, UEFA Nations League quarterfinals recap, and more.

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2 days ago

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March 24, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve had a very busy week, finishing my orientation and ballpark training to return to working ballgames and concerts at Wrigley Field for the Chicago Cubs. Our Lions and Pride won while OCB was off this weekend. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Beats D.C. United at Home

Orlando City defeated D.C. United 4-1 on Saturday at Inter&Co Stadium in a dominating performance. Luis Muriel, Martin Ojeda, Alex Freeman, and Marco Pasalic all scored for the Lions as they raced out to a 4-0 lead. You’ve no doubt heard this a lot since Saturday, but it was the first time in club history that all three Designated Players for Orlando scored a goal in the same match. Also, Freeman became the second-youngest player in club history to score a goal and add an assist in the same match. The youngest was Daryl Dike.

D.C. United pulled one back in stoppage time, but the Lions claimed the three points. Goalkeeper Javier Otero made his first MLS start while Pedro Gallese was away on international duty with Peru, and despite not getting a shutout, he made six saves. Orlando City will be on the road for its next match Saturday, facing the LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park.

Orlando Pride Shut Out NJ/NY Gotham FC on the Road

The Orlando Pride defeated NJ/NY Gotham FC 2-0 Sunday at Sports Illustrated Stadium to get back-to-back wins to start the season. The Pride were the fortunate recipients of an own goal from Gotham defender Lilly Reale to take an early lead in the first half. Angelina’s crafty cutback drew a penalty just before halftime, and Marta converted it from the spot to extend Orlando’s lead to two goals just before halftime. The Pride held on to earn the shutout to secure their first road win of the season. The Pride return home to Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday to take on San Diego Wave FC.

USMNT Falls to Canada in Nations League Third-Place Match

On Sunday, the U.S. Men’s National Team fell 2-1 to Canada at SoFi Stadium in the third-place match in the Concacaf Nations League. It’s the second consecutive loss for the USMNT after dropping a 1-0 decision to Panama in the semifinals last week. The Yanks finish fourth in the tournament after winning the first three editions. Canada struck first before Patrick Agyemang scored the equalizer for the USMNT just before halftime. Jonathan David scored the winning goal in the second half to seal the win for Canada. The USMNT has lost consecutive matches to Canada for the first time since 1985. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just 14 months away, things don’t look good at the moment for the United States men. The next pair of matches are friendlies against Turkey on June 7 and Switzerland on June 10.

UEFA Nations League Quarterfinals Recap

There was plenty of drama Sunday in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Nations League. France overturned a 2-0 deficit in the first leg and defeated Croatia 5-4 on penalties after a 2-0 win in the second leg to advance. Spain also defeated the Netherlands 5-4 on penalties to advance after the second leg ended in a 3-3 draw and level 5-5 on aggregate. Germany blew a three-goal lead in the second leg against Italy to end the match in a 3-3 draw but won 5-4 on aggregate to move on to the semifinals. Portugal needed extra time against Denmark after being tied 3-3 on aggregate in the second leg. Francisco Trincao scored his second goal of the match, and Goncalo Ramos added another in extra time to help Portugal win 5-3 on aggregate after a 5-2 win in the second leg. The semifinals are set as Portugal faces Germany on June 4 while Spain takes on France on June 5.

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That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.

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