In Week 25 of the MLS season, Nashville SC showcased exceptional synchronization and precision, culminating in a resounding 5-1 win against Orlando City SC at Geodis Park.
The local team’s goals came from Sam Surridge (2’ and 42’ in the first half), Hany Mukhtar (16’ and 39’ in the first half), and Jeisson Palacios (48’ in the second half). Meanwhile, Luis Muriel managed to score the only goal for Orlando in the 30th minute of the second half.
One of the standout moments of the match occurred at the 39-minute mark, when Hany Mukhtar netted a goal following a brilliant assist from Jacob Shaffelburg, slotting the ball into the net from within the box.
Hany Mukhtar was undoubtedly the man of the match, as he demonstrated his skills by scoring two goals and registering four shots on target.
Sam Surridge also made a significant impact at Geodis Park, contributing with two goals and three shots throughout the match.
Nashville’s coach, B. J. Callaghan, deployed a 4-4-2 formation, featuring Joseph Willis as the goalkeeper and a defensive line of Andy Nájar, Walker Zimmerman, Jeisson Palacios, and Josh Bauer. The midfield comprised Patrick Yazbek, Gastón Brugman, Jacob Shaffelburg, and Alex Muyl, while Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge spearheaded the attack.
On the other hand, Orlando City SC, managed by Óscar Pareja, took the field with a 4-3-3 setup, led by Pedro Gallese in goal. Their defensive line included Kyle Smith, Rodrigo Schlegel, Robin Jansson, and Adrián Marín, while Joran Gerbet, Dagur Thórhallsson, and César Araujo formed the midfield. Up front were Nicolas Rodriguez, Ramiro Enrique, and Tyrese Spicer.
Match referee Timothy Ford oversaw the game in Geodis Park.
Looking ahead, Nashville SC will host Atlanta United in their next match, while Orlando is set to play at home against Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
Substitutions for Nashville SC
62’ 2T – Jacob Shaffelburg was replaced by Ahmed Qasem.
74’ 2T – Andy Nájar was substituted off for Bryan Acosta.
75’ 2T – Gastón Brugman made way for Tate Schmitt.
87’ 2T – Patrick Yazbek went off for Edvard Tagseth and Alex Muyl was substituted by Jonathan Pérez.
Yellow Cards for Nashville SC:
26’ 2T – Joseph Willis (Delay of game) and 36’ 2T – Ahmed Qasem (Argument with an opponent).
Substitutions for Orlando City SC
57’ 2T – César Araujo was replaced by Eduard Atuesta, Nicolas Rodriguez by Alexander Freeman, and Kyle Smith by Marco Pasalic.
73’ 2T – Dagur Thórhallsson was substituted off for Luis Muriel.
88’ 2T – Joran Gerbet left the field for Zakaria Taifi.
Yellow Cards for Orlando City SC:
5’ 2T – Kyle Smith (Unsporting behavior) and 45’ 2T – Rodrigo Schlegel (Argument with an opponent).
Red Card for Orlando City SC:
35’ 2T – Luis Muriel (Straight Red).