Orlando City eyes a quick bounce-back in MLS after surviving a penalty-shootout win over Toluca in the Leagues Cup quarterfinal, with a high-stakes trip to Nashville on the horizon Saturday.
The Lions sit at 13-6-8 for 47 points, while Nashville SC are also on 47 points at 14-8-5. A win in Tennessee would push Orlando into third place in the MLS Eastern Conference and keep their title hopes very much alive, even as they balance squad rotation ahead of a Leagues Cup semifinal against Inter Miami next week.
Coach Oscar Pareja stressed the need to manage minutes after a demanding run of games and travel, noting that securing a result in Nashville would help with rotation ahead of the midweek semifinal. “We tried to measure some minutes for the boys that have had a lot of volume in the last few games and traveling. Hopefully, we can recover soon because we have an important game on Saturday as well,” Pareja said after the Toluca win. “Now thinking about that semifinal and trying to measure it with how can we rotate and take care of the boys. The good thing is that it is easy when you get results to do that, and it is much, much better.”
In goal, Pedro Gallese delivered another standout performance, earning a clean sheet against Toluca, saving two penalties in the shootout, and then stepping up to convert the winning kick. He will be tested by Nashville’s experienced attack, led by Sam Surridge (18 goals, 3 assists) and Hany Mukhtar (12 goals, 6 assists), who provide a dynamic challenge for Orlando’s back line.
Orlando’s attack has been firing on all cylinders, scoring 15 goals across their last five matches. Martin Ojeda, with 14 goals and 9 assists, remains a central figure and is considered by many observers as an MVP candidate this season. Nashville, meanwhile, has been stout defensively, yielding 31 goals in 27 games, with veteran goalkeeper Joe Willis (37) continuing to be a steady presence between the posts.
Meanwhile, Orlando City’s schedule adjustment means their match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC, originally set for Aug. 30, has been moved to Oct. 11. Kickoff remains 7:30 p.m. ET, and the game will be part of the Noche Latina presented by Walt Disney World Resort. Ticket holders will receive updated tickets in their Ticketmaster accounts, and questions can be directed to tickets@orlandocitysc.com.
What to watch
– Midfield battle: How Orlando’s organization and Gallese’s reliability hold up against Nashville’s front line of Surridge and Mukhtar.
– Rotation vs. momentum: Can Orlando balance resting key players for the Inter Miami clash while preserving results in MLS?
– Late-season push: A win would extend Orlando’s advantage in the No. 3 spot and help maintain momentum toward potential silverware.
Bottom line
Orlando City faces a stern test in Nashville, where a win could solidify third place and provide valuable rest for key players ahead of a pivotal Leagues Cup semifinal. Nashville’s home form and defensive resilience will be a tall order, but a positive result would reinforce Orlando’s confidence as they chase silverware while navigating a busy schedule. A victory would also keep the door open for continued momentum as the regular season enters its final stretch.