Former Lion Nicholas Gioacchini Makes First Return to Exploria Stadium

Orlando City acquired USMNT forward Nicholas Gioacchini a little over 13 months ago from Caen on a free transfer on July 20, 2022. At the time of the acquisition, Gioacchini was on loan with Ligue 1 side Montpellier, where he had logged approximately 500 minutes in the top French division.

At the time, the move was heralded as a sneaky and strong acquisition with low risk and high reward potential. This was based upon numerous factors, including his age at the time (he had just turned 22) and the fact that as an American, he would not have to take up an international roster spot. Gioacchini also had experience both playing abroad and also with the USMNT, having made eight appearances, across which he scored three goals.

Billed as a forward, once Gioacchini arrived in Orlando his services were put to use primarily on the right wing, an area at the time where Orlando City lacked depth and reliability. Giocacchini made his debut for Orlando City in last year’s U.S. Open Cup semifinal against the New York Red Bulls, substituting on for the final five minutes of the match. He then went on to see playing time as a reserve, coming off the bench and logging 39 total minutes in three of the next five matches. In those matches he only registered two shots and completed 84.6% of his passes. He started for Orlando City B on Aug. 17 of last year, earning an assist in 82 minutes on the pitch.

Gioacchini only saw 95 more minutes of playing time the rest of the season, logging two back-to-back starts in a 3-2 win against the Seattle Sounders (where he was able to earn a penalty with quick and decisive movement) and a 5-1 loss to the Philadelphia Union. In each match, Gioacchini only played the first half and was credited with just one shot. The Mane Land staff gave Gioacchini an incomplete grade on the season due to not meeting the minimum minute requirement to earn a grade. Many on staff here felt that given a full preseason camp, the forward would make strong headway in earning a starting position. Alas, the latter part of the prediction was correct, but just for the wrong team, as Orlando City opted not to protect the striker, and St. Louis City selected Gioacchini with its first selection.

A lot has happened for the young forward since he last stepped foot on the pitch for Orlando City, and to say that he has been an integral part of what may eventually be considered the best expansion season in MLS history would be an understatement. Gioacchini has started in 20 of St. Louis City’s 24 matches this season, logging 10 goals and one assist. He has also put 52% of his shots on target (19 of 36) and is passing at a 66.6% success rate on the year. Gioacchini is playing in his natural position, unlike his role with the Lions in 2022, and made mention of that in the run-up to the match.

“I’ve been looking forward to this game for eight months” Gioacchini told reporters.

The young striker who leads St. Louis in goals certainly sounds like he will have much to prove come game time on Saturday night.

What do you think the homecoming response will be from the fans in the stands at Exploria as Orlando City hosts MLS expansion darlings St. Louis City SC at 7:30 p.m. tonight? Let us know in the comment section below, and as always, vamos Orlando!