Nashville SC's busy May calendar continues. The Coyotes have yet another midweek match, traveling to Florida for a US Open Cup Round of 16 clash with Orlando City.
After beating Chattanooga Red Wolves in the Round of 32, Nashville are looking to advance to the Quarterfinals, and have placed significant emphasis on this tournament. Can the Coyotes continue their strong form and make a push for their first trophy ever?
SixOneFive Soccer Staff
Match info
Teams: Orlando City vs Nashville SC
Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Time: 6:30 pm CT, Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, FL
TV: Paramount+
Forecast: 94º/74º. 88º at kickoff. Mostly sunny. 4-13 mph winds. 0% chance of rain. 58% humidity.
Head-to-head
Meetings: 14
Nashville wins: 3
Nashville goals: 12
Draws: 5
Orlando wins: 6
Orlando goals: 21
Last meeting: Orlando 3-0 Nashville (August 31, 2024)
Ben Wright
Orlando City
The numbers
Standings: 5th (MLS Eastern Conference) |24 points | 6W-6D-2L | +11 GD
Goal leaders: Martín Ojeda (8), Marco Pašalić, Luis Muriel (6)
Assist leaders: Martín Ojeda, Luis Muriel, César Araújo (3)
Last match: 3-0 win at Inter Miami
Data power rankings: 3rd (38.49 score)
Orlando City snapshot
Orlando City have been one of the hottest teams in MLS this season. The Lions are unbeaten in their last 12 matches, and their style is fully in line with how manager Óscar Pareja wants to play. They're gritty, defensively solid, opportunistic in attack, and absolutely brutal to play against.
Equally important has been the form of their Designated Players. Martín Ojeda took off last season, especially once moved into a more central role as the team's No. 10. He leads the team with eight goals this season, capable of hitting a wicked shot with his left foot.
On the left wing, Marco Pašalić has hit the ground running. The Croatian has been an upgrade over former DP Facundo Torres, able to quickly combine in tight spaces as well as cutting in onto his left foot to threaten the goal. He's tied on six goals with Luis Muriel, who has completely turned his form around after an incredibly disappointing debut season last year. He's beaten out Duncan McGuire and Ramiro Enrique for the starting No. 9 job and looks like one of the most dangerous goal scorers in the league.
The backline hasn't changed much over the last several years, save for the emergence of Alex Freeman as one of the best young defenders in the league. The son of an NFL wide receiver, he has the height and athleticism of an elite athlete while having the soccer IQ of a much more experienced pro. He's a dark horse candidate to break into the national team picture before next summer's World Cup, and has been a major improvement for this squad.
Orlando are coming off a dominant 3-0 win over Inter Miami on Sunday. They're on a day less rest than Nashville, but had an easy travel week and have the advantage of playing at home, where the 94º heat will certainly play to their advantage. This team makes life miserable for their opponents, and tonight should be no different.
Predicted XI
Nashville SC
The numbers
Standings: 5th (East) | 24 points | 7W-2D-5L | +8 GD
Goal leaders: Sam Surridge, Hany Mukhtar (6)
Assist leaders: Dan Lovitz, Andy Najar, Hany Mukhtar (4)
Last match: 0-0 draw vs DC United
Data Power Rankings: 4th (37.39 score)
Nashville SC snapshot
Nashville come into this match on a five-game unbeaten streak, and they're playing some of the most effective and attractive soccer in MLS. Head coach BJ Callaghan has made no secret of his desire to prioritize this tournament, rotating his squad last weekend to make sure Nashville can field their best lineup in Florida. He lost in three US Open Cup finals as an assistant with the Philadelphia Union. Nashville have formed something of an organic rivalry with Orlando, and head on the road looking to avenge their most recent run in the tournament, a hard-fought Quarterfinal loss to the Lions in a penalty-kick shootout.
Ben Wright
Alex Muyl, Jacob Shaffelburg, Jeisson Palacios, Andy Najar and Sam Surridge all started last weekend's match on the bench, with Patrick Yazbek playing just under 60 minutes. Those six have firmly earned their place in the starting lineup, and should return to their normal spots tonight.
Nashville will certainly hope their rotation last weekend and their extra day of rest will give them a leg up, but it's a hard ask, especially in their first match of the year in significant heat. While the Coyotes should be confident against any opponent at this stage, Orlando in Orlando are as tough a test as there is.
Predicted XI
Staff predictions
Ben Wright
Score: ORL 2-2 NSH (Nashville win on penalties)
Scorers: Hany Mukhtar, Bryan Acosta
MOTM: Bryan Acosta
Bold prediction: Acosta scores a late rocket to equalize, Nashville squeak through on penalties.
Jeff Remlinger
Score: ORL 0-1 NSH
Scorers: Josh Bauer
MOTM: Jeisson Palacios
Bold prediction: Orlando rotate and prioritize defense. The two sides combine for less than 1.5 expected goals.
Ronan Briscoe
Score: ORL 1-1 NSH (Nashville win on penalties)
Scorers: Hany Mukhtar
MOTM: Hany Mukhtar
Bold prediction: Complete revenge for the 2022 quarterfinal.
Valair Shabilla
Score: ORL 2-1 NSH
Scorers: Hany Mukhtar
MOTM: Hany Mukhtar
Bold prediction: Nashville concede the winner in extra time.
Fan forecast
It's a US Open Cup rematch between Orlando City 🦁 and Nashville SC 🐺
— SixOneFive Soccer (@615Soccer) May 21, 2025
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Vote in our #FanForecast and reply with a #BoldPrediction.
Pre-match media
SixOneFive Soccer Staff
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