Orlando City
Orlando City vs. Nashville SC: Three Keys to Victory
What do the Lions need to do to earn all three points at home against Nashville SC?
Orlando City’s match against Nashville SC is the first in a series of tough matches to end the regular season. Securing three points at home is crucial for Orlando City’s playoff chances. This match is the starting point. When the Lions are playing their best, the club can beat anyone, including Nashville. What must Orlando City do to earn all three points against Nashville SC on Saturday night?
Shut Down Surridge, Hamper Hany
If you think that this key sounds familiar it’s because it’s the same, most important key to victory whenever Orlando City plays Nashville. I did, at least, change the heading from last time. Currently, Sam Surridge leads MLS with 21 goals, adding four assists, while Hany Muhktar has 14 goals and 11 assists. I’m not great at math, but even I know that is 50 goal contributions between the two. Overall, Nashville has scored 50 goals. This means that the pair has scored 70% of Nashville’s goals and has factored in all 50, which seems preposterous.
Orlando City hasn’t earned a clean sheet since June 14 against against the Colorado Rapids. Three months is way too long for this defense to not earn a shutout. Orlando City will have Pedro Gallese in goal, and a first choice back line of Alex Freeman, Rodrigo Schlegel, Robin Jansson, and David Brekalo. These players will need to do better this time around.
Score Early, Score Often
Too often of late Orlando City has gone down a goal and had to chase the game. The Lions need to get the first goal — and frankly the second and third. Orlando will have Luis Muriel back for this match, meaning Duncan McGuire won’t be expected to go the full 90 minutes. How effective Muriel is in the first half will dictate when we see McGuire.
It’s also long past time for Orlando City’s other Designated Players to get back on the scoresheet. Martin Ojeda is having an outstanding season, but I want him to pick up the goal contributions. Marco Pasalic needs to dial in his cannon of a left foot. Against D.C. United, Orlando City had 25 shots, with 10 on target, but only one goal. That won’t cut it against Nashville. The Lions must score multiple goals.
Possession With Purpose
Oscar Pareja wants his teams to be the protagonists. If Orlando City can pass accurately and maintain possession, that will limit Nashville’s chances to score. We all know that possession isn’t everything, but if the Lions possess with a purpose it can translate to a victory.
Purpose is building through the midfield to create scoring chances. Purpose is avoiding turnovers in dangerous places and keeping the ball away from the opposition. Controlling the match through possession can help the Lions to earn three desperately needed points.
That is what I will be looking for Saturday night in person. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, and hit me up on Bluesky or Twitter if you’d like to say hello at the match. Vamos Orlando!