Orlando City at Nashville SC (Round 1, City leads series 1-0)
When: Tuesday, 9:00 PM
Where: Geodis Park, Nashville, TN
Radio: 96.9 The Game, (English), Acción 97.9 FM (Spanish)
Wilder Than Ever
Midfielder Wilder Cartagena led the Lions to victory at Exploria Stadium last Monday night, where he slammed a long-distance ball off the underside of the crossbar. The first-half stunner served as his first goal in postseason play with help from midfielder César Araújo who earned his first playoff assist. With the 1-0 result, Orlando City secured its first playoff win of the year in the best-of-three series against seventh-seeded Nashville SC. With the win, City earned its first postseason regulations win in Club history, having previously taken down NYCFC via a penalty-kick shootout in 2020.
The Next Hunt
The Lions will now travel to Music City for Game 2 of the best-of-three series against the Boys in Gold. Orlando City will take the field at GEODIS Park on Tuesday night seeking to secure its second consecutive postseason win and its sixth straight across all competitions. With a win, the Lions will advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals where they would face the winner of the series between No. 3 Columbus Crew vs. No. 6 Atlanta United FC.
Orlando Runs on Duncan
Orlando City rookie forward Duncan McGuire has been named a finalist for the AT&T Goal of the Year following his first Decision Day strike against Toronto FC, where he took down a long ball from goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar, flicked it over the head of Toronto FC’s Michael Bradley and struck a long-range volley into the corner of the net. The first-year player is also a finalist for MLS’ Young Player of the Year. McGuire is up against Atlanta United’s Thiago Almada and Columbus Crew’s Aiden Morris.
What Happens if Nashville Wins?
If Nashville SC is able to secure a win on Tuesday night, either in regulation or via penalty-kick shootout, the series will stand tied at one game apiece. The two Clubs will then return to the City Beautiful for a draw-breaking third match on Sunday, Nov. 12 at Exploria Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 5 p.m. ET on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV if necessary. The winner of that third match would move on to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Nothing Gets Past El Pulpo
Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese made his first appearance in between the sticks for the Lions after returning from is most recent stint on international duty with the Peruvian national team. El Pulpo kept Nashville SC at bay, making three saves throughout the match and adding a 12th clean sheet to his collection to set a new Club record. With the shutout win, Gallese earned his first career clean sheet of the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
Milestone Tracker:
-Orlando City is looking to secure its first road win in Club history in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
-The Lions are looking to extend their winning streak to six consecutive games.
-A win would advance the Lions to the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the second time in Club history.
