Nashville SC is set for a showdown with Orlando City SC this Wednesday, aiming to reclaim some pride and maybe even a bit of revenge. While that sounds dramatic, there are bigger fish to fry for the team.
Last season, Orlando City booted Nashville out of the MLS playoffs, not just once, but twice with back-to-back 1-0 wins. This time, the matchup is at Geodis Park, marking the first face-off since that painful exit. The stakes are high, not just because of the past, but also because Nashville is desperate to end its first-ever four-game losing streak in franchise history.
Interestingly, despite those past victories, Orlando hasn't quite found their stride this season. They were the second seed in the Eastern Conference last year, but now they're hanging out in seventh place. Nashville, on the other hand, is sitting in ninth place, which is just enough to squeak into the playoffs if the season ended today. But with the East being so tight, only six points separate the eighth and 15th-place teams. Every game counts, and Wednesday's match is no exception.
If you’re planning to catch the action, here's what you need to know:
- Date: Wednesday, July 17
- Time: 7:30 p.m. CT
- Location: Geodis Park, Nashville, Tennessee
- Television: FS1
- Streaming: Apple TV via MLS Season Pass subscription
Now, here's a quirky little tidbit to spice things up: Nashville now boasts not one, but two Tyler Boyds. One's making waves on the soccer field, while the other is just thrilled to be in the U.S. and part of the MLS scene.
On the betting front, BetMGM has some interesting numbers for the match on July 17:
- Money line: Orlando City +148, Nashville +164, draw +246
- Total: 2.5 goals
If you love some betting action, these odds might make the game even more exciting to watch.
Now, back to Nashville’s recent struggles. They haven't seen a victory since June 22 when they took down New York City FC at home. Their latest disappointment came with a 2-1 loss to D.C. United on Saturday. It's been a tough stretch, but there's still hope on the horizon. Interim coach Rumba Munthali is steering the ship for now, with just two more games on his docket — the Orlando clash and a match against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday. After that, B.J. Callaghan will take the reins just in time for the Leagues Cup.
Nashville fans can look forward to a bit of a break after these matches. The team has an 11-day hiatus before they host Mazatlán FC on July 31. This breather could be the perfect opportunity to regroup and come back stronger.
In the grand scheme of things, this upcoming game against Orlando is crucial for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it's a chance to break the losing streak that's been haunting the team. Secondly, it's an opportunity to exact some revenge for last year's playoff heartbreak. But most importantly, it's about securing points to stay in the playoff race.
Despite their ups and downs, the spirit in the Nashville camp is still strong. The fans are as supportive as ever, and the team is determined to turn things around. They know that every match is a new chance to prove themselves and climb up the standings. The players are geared up to put on a show at Geodis Park, and the atmosphere promises to be electric.
It's also worth noting that this season has been full of surprises across the league. Teams that were dominant last year are struggling, and underdogs are rising. It's this unpredictability that makes MLS so thrilling to follow. You never really know what’s going to happen next.
So, whether you're tuning in on FS1 or streaming via Apple TV, Wednesday's game is one you won't want to miss. It's more than just a match; it's a story of redemption, determination, and the relentless pursuit of success. Nashville SC has its eyes on the prize, and this game could be a pivotal moment in their season. Get ready for an exciting night of soccer at Geodis Park!
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