Orlando City SC faced the loaded roster of Nashville SC. But this time, they came away with a win.
The Lions have been playing full strength. But still lately, they could use an extra dimension in MLS competition. Against Nashville SC and its strong roster, Orlando City SC got a couple of players with that extra dimension.
The extra meant a 3-2 win over Nashville.
Midfielder Martin Ojeda romped in the first half. He scored in the 30th and 32nd minutes. His second goal was assisted by Kyle Smith and Luis Muriel.
In first-half stoppage time, Nashville midfielder Hany Mukhtar lessened his club’s pain with a score. The Lions had their eyes on Mukhtar throughout the match. He’s one of the team’s Most Valuable Player candidates.
That score was Mukhtar’s 15th goal of the season.
The greatest news for Orlando came when forward Duncan McGuire scored in second-half stoppage time, assisted by Tyrese Spicer. McGuire continued his strong comeback for the club. Spicer continued letting the team know he was making good on the promise he showed scouts when he was acquired.
That score broke the tie from the 51st minute when winger Jacob Shaffelburg found the net, assisted by Daniel Lovitz and Sam Surridge. The second assister is another of the team’s MVP candidates. This was Shaffelburg’s third goal. It set a new career-high for single-season MLS goal contributions with eight.
Nashville’s threats came from players keeping pace with the lead in goal contributions from two teammates. Mukhtar has 15 goals, 11 assists, and Surridge has 21 goals, five assists. The other leaders with 52 total contributions are San Diego FC’s Anders Dreyer, 15 goals, 18 assists, and Chucky Lozano, nine goals, 10 assists.
Yet, with all this force aimed at the Lions, they stood tall and left the pitch with a win. They used the preparation from the first minute. They used the tactics that paid off with scores.
Orlando City SC has always known what to do. With teamwork, they’re doing it.