Orlando City Aims for Historic Win Against Nashville SC in U.S. Open Cup Showdown!
Orlando City vs Nashville SC: A Showdown in the U.S. Open Cup
When: Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, Fla.
Attend: Single-Match Tickets
TV: Paramount+ (subscription required)
As the anticipation builds for Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup clash between Orlando City and Nashville SC, it’s essential to delve into the details surrounding this exciting matchup. Both teams are coming off impressive performances, with Orlando on the brink of breaking a club record and Nashville looking to assert its mark in the tournament.
Milestones on the Horizon
Orlando City is on a remarkable run, aiming to extend its unbeaten streak to 13 matches. Here are some notable milestones to keep an eye on:
- – A win or draw against Nashville would set a new club record, surpassing the previous streak of 12 matches.
- – The team has scored a staggering 14 goals in its past four games, the highest in club history for that span. The record for a five-match stretch is 16 goals, set in summer 2024.
- – Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese is poised for his 175th appearance for Orlando, with his next victory marking his 80th as a starting keeper.
- – Martín Ojeda is on the cusp of climbing the charts in club history, with his 21 goals placing him eighth. A single goal will tie him with Chris Mueller for seventh place.
Strong Form and Recent Performances
Orlando City secured a historic 3-0 victory against Florida rivals Inter Miami this past Sunday. This win not only extended their unbeaten streak but also showcased their defensive prowess:
- – Orlando was the first team to shut out Inter Miami at Chase Stadium since FC Cincinnati did so in October 2023, ending a 24-game home scoring streak for the Herons.
- – The Lions handed Lionel Messi’s team a three-goal loss, a first in Messi’s long career at the club league level.
- – Pedro Gallese recorded another clean sheet, cementing his status as one of the season’s top goalkeepers with impressive saves, particularly against Messi.
- – The attacking trio of Muriel, Marco Pašalić, and Ojeda has combined for multiple goals, with all three players scoring at least six goals this season. This exceptional output is unmatched by any other trio in MLS this year.
Looking Ahead: A Review of Series History and the Opposition
Historically, the rivalry skews slightly in favor of Orlando City, boasting a record of 6-3-5 against Nashville. However, recent meetings have heavily favored the Lions:
- Orlando has won five straight meetings against Nashville, most recently sweeping them last season with two 3-0 victories.
- Nashville has struggled to break through the traditionally strong Orlando defense, with the Lions preventing any goals in their last five encounters, leading to a 466-minute drought for Nashville against Orlando.
Nashville SC, under head coach B.J. Callaghan, has undergone a transformation. Emerging from a defensive strategy, they now rank high in scoring, tying for third in the Eastern Conference. Star forward Sam Surridge, alongside MVP candidate Hany Mukhtar, has revitalized their attack, contributing significantly to their goal tally this season.
In their last U.S. Open Cup encounter in 2022, Orlando narrowly edged past Nashville in a tense quarterfinal, with Pedro Gallese notably saving a penalty to secure their place later in the tournament. Will the Lions carry this momentum into Wednesday’s match?
With the stakes high and both teams in excellent form, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter as Orlando City aims not only to continue their unbeaten streak but also to make a significant statement in U.S. Open Cup history.
Make sure to tune in at 7:30 p.m. to catch the excitement unfold at Inter&Co Stadium and witness history in the making!
