Mired in a club-record losing streak, Nashville SC looks to finally return to the win column when they visit Orlando City SC on Saturday.
It has been over two months since Nashville (6-12-8, 26 points) last won a match, as seven consecutive losses have sent the club spiraling under the playoff line. Nashville SC has been outscored 18-3 over the seven matches and haven’t scored in their three most recent defeats.
Orlando City (9-10-7, 34 points) started Nashville SC’s goalless drought in their previous meeting, a 3-0 shutout victory for the Lions on July 17 in Nashville.
Nashville SC wasn’t having much success on the road even prior to their seven-match skid. Nashville’s nine away points (from a 2-7-3 road record) are the fewest in the Eastern Conference.
“Sometimes the moments on the road are a little bit less, but they still are there,” Nashville SC coach B.J. Callaghan said. “They’re still opportunities to win games and we have to recognize them and seize them.”
The Lions have had similar struggles on their own field. Orlando City is only 3-5-4 at home this season and are tied with the Philadelphia Union for the fewest home points (13) in the East.
Despite a five-match (4-0-1) unbeaten run heading into the Leagues Cup break, Orlando City returned from the hiatus in flat fashion. The Lions had only one shot on target in last Saturday’s 3-0 loss to Sporting Kansas City, as head coach Oscar Pareja felt his club “lost energy” after the opening 20 minutes.
With this result still lingering, Pareja isn’t taking Nashville SC lightly, losing streak notwithstanding.
“We see Nashville as a team who is competing with us, and we’re trying to do (it) the best way possible,” Pareja said. “Because that’s our priority, instead of thinking too much on our rivals.”
Nashville midfielder Patrick Yazbek will miss the team’s next two matches for violating the MLS non-discrimination policy. Yazbek was substituted out of last Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Austin FC after 37 minutes following some unspecified comments to opposing players.
–Field Level Media