Orlando City earned its first win under interim head coach Martin Perelman last time out, but now the Lions are on the road against one of the best teams in Major League Soccer.
The Lions (1-3-0, 3 points) face Nashville SC (3-0-1, 10 points) at Geodis Park on Saturday at 6:15 p.m.
“We’ve been doing everything we have to do now to try to get better. And obviously, we’re on a high right now after that win, and we have to carry that positivity forward,” Orlando midfielder Braian Ojeda said.
“I think we’re doing everything we have to do this week to get to Nashville, try to get another win, try to get the three points and keep doing what we’re doing to try to get some wins here.”
Nashville is one of the best teams in the league right now, but they come into this matchup a little tired after eliminating Inter Miami from the Concacaf Champions Cup on Wednesday. Elite offensive talents like Cristian Espinoza and Sam Surridge, who played 90 minutes against Miami, are unlikely to play a full 90 minutes against Orlando.
Orlando could use that respite, as they have conceded a league-worst 11 goals through their first four games. David Brekalo and Iago looked better as a center back pairing against Montreal, but they will have to be even stronger against what Nashville has to throw at them.
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The Lions need to continue improving offensively. Duncan McGuire and Martín Ojeda scored against Montreal, and Iván Angulo was a threat all over the field. They face a Nashville defense that has only allowed two goals this season, with goaltender Brian Schwake leading the way as one of the best goaltenders in the league currently.
Orlando should apply a lot of pressure without allowing Nashville to expose any space on defense if they want to leave Nashville with a second straight victory. It won’t be easy, but Coach Perelman and his team will want to try to make a mark away from home.
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6:15 pm Saturday against Nashville SC at Geodis Park
