MLS: Nashville SC defeats Orlando City 3-1, joins Union in Eastern semi-final

A brace from Hany Mukhtar propelled Nashville SC to a 3-1 win over Orlando City on Tuesday in an MLS Playoff Round 1 game.

Once again, Nashville came from behind to win, and the third-ranked Tennessee club in the East will cross swords with the No.2 Philadelphia Union on November 28, in the semifinals of ‘association.

True to the scenario he repeated many times in front of his fans during the regular season, Nashville conceded the first goal, before relying on Mukhtar’s brilliance thereafter.

Daryl Dike put Orlando in charge after 14 minutes of play, deflecting the ball with a header on a corner kick. It was the ninth time this year that the visiting team had scored the first goal at Nissan Stadium.

Except that Mukhtar did not take long to serve the reply; his 21st-minute shot deflected onto rival Antonio Carlos before entering the net, leaving goalkeeper Pedro Gallese no chance.

While Mukhtar’s opening goal turned out to be somewhat fortuitous, he relied solely on his talent to score his second of the game, in the 74th minute, as the German player beat two opponents before dropping a low shot on which Gallese could nothing.

The frenzied crowd at « Music City » roared even louder as Jhonder Cadiz pushed the game out of Orlando’s reach during the very last moments of stoppage.

The Sounders Dominate, But Tilt

The result is certainly disappointing for the Seattle Sounders who dominated their playoff game against Real Salt Lake, but it was the latter who advanced to the next round with a 0 (6) – 0 (5) penalty shootout victory. .

The Sounders’ dominance in the 90 minutes plus extra time in overtime was glaring with 21 shots attempted against none for their rivals. David Ochoa only had to make three saves in front of the RSL cage.

Raul Ruidiaz arguably got his side’s best chance with an incredible second-half volley strike, but the ball hit the post with full force.

On penalties, Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei made the save in front of Pablo Ruiz, but got a second chance as it was ruled that the goalkeeper was not on the line when the official signaled for the first throw. Ruiz didn’t miss his chance a second time.

Sixth player sent by the Sounders, Kelyn Rowe saw his shot be stopped by Ochoa. The victory was therefore at the end of Justen Glad’s foot and he saw his ball just pass out of Frei’s reach to give against the post and enter the net.

This victory for Real Salt Lake offers them a meeting with Sporting Kansas City in the next round of the playoffs.