Orlando City SC vs. Nashville SC | 2020 MLS Match Preview

Dylan Butler

2020 MLS Regular Season – Week 24
Orlando City SC vs. Nashville SC
Exploria Stadium – Orlando
November 8 – 3:30 PM ET

STREAMING: MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US

LOCAL TV: FOX 35 Plus, MyTV30

Having already locked up a home game in the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs, Orlando City SC are hoping to secure the No. 3 seed in the East when they take a Nashville SC side also jockeying for positioning at Exploria Stadium on Decision Day presented by AT&T.

Orlando City SC (11W-3L-8D) are coming off a dramatic late win over Columbus Crew SC Wednesday night that secured a home match in the Lions' first-ever trip to the playoffs. They've won three in a row with one loss in their last 16 games. Surely, Oscar Pareja's side will look to bring that momentum into the postseason.

Playoff scenarios:How Decision Day could impact the playoff field
What's at stake: Key races to watch for during Decision Day's 13 games
Playoff schedule:Match schedule, dates, times and TV details

Nashville SC (7W-7L-8D) also made history by becoming only the sixth expansion team to clinch a playoff berth in their first season. Gary Smith's side will look to rebound from a 1-0 loss to FC Dallas Wednesday, just their second defeat in their last 11 games.

This is the third meeting between the teams, with Orlando City SC winning 3-1 at Exploria Stadium August 26 before sharing the points in a 1-1 draw at Nissan Stadium a week later.

Orlando City SC

Benji Michel scored the winner six minutes from time for 10-man Orlando, which defeated Columbus 2-1 Wednesday night to secure a top-four berth in the East. The goal was made even more dramatic by Nani receiving a red card in the 52nd minute after Video Review. The Orlando DP came into a challenge with Artur, prompting the extra look and tilting the game’s complexion. It was another 2020 highlight after the Lions previously advanced to the MLS is Back Tournament final this past summer.

“We are happy, of course, because we won a tough game, but we know that we didn't win nothing yet,” midfielder Mauricio Pereyra said after the match. “We want more, we know that we are in the playoffs and this was like a playoff game for us because we know that this is a difficult rival and they had really good quality players. Of course we had emotion, but we keep the feet on the floor because we want more and I think we are ready to get this MLS Cup.”

The Lions got even more good news Saturday. Orlando City captain Nani has been cleared to play in the club's final regular season match after an Independent Review Panel unanimously rescinded the one-game suspension and accompanying fine for the red card he received.

Updated team roster
Injury Report:
- OUT: Dom Dwyer (F) - knee injury
- OUT: Joao Moutinho (D) - groin injury
- OUT: Michael Halliday (D) - undisclosed injury
- OUT: David Loera (M) - undisclosed injury
Suspended: Mauricio Pereyra (M)
Suspended after next caution: Joao Moutinho (D), Rodrigo Schlegel (D)
International duty: None

Nashville SC

After two wins and a draw in their previous three encounters, Nashville SC suffered their first defeat to FC Dallas Wednesday night, falling 1-0 in the Music City with an early Ryan Hollingshead goal the difference. Nashville's five-match unbeaten streak was snapped and they head into Decision Day eighth in the East, but needing a win in Orlando to challenge for the No. 6 spot.

"We've not lost hope," Gary Smith said after the match. "We certainly know that it's a much tougher challenge, but more importantly, I think leaving here after today's game, the next time we're here may well be in the playoffs."

Updated team roster
Injury Report:
- OUT: Jack Maher (D) - undisclosed injury
- OUT: Dom Badji (M) - undisclosed injury
- OUT: Abu Danladi (F) - undisclosed injury
Suspended: None
Suspended after next caution: None
International duty: None