Nashville SC vs Orlando City SC Picks and Prediction – 8/31/2024

Orlando City SC (9-9-7) hosts Nashville SC (6-11-8) at Inter&Co Stadium on August 31, at 5:30 PM CST. Orlando is coming off a disappointing 3-0 loss to Sporting Kansas City, while Nashville also struggled in its last match, a 1-0 defeat to New York Red Bulls. Score a goal in betting with our Soccer picks.

Orlando City SC's season has been a rollercoaster, sitting mid-table with a record that reflects inconsistent performances. Offensively, Orlando ranks 14th in goals scored with 39 but the defense has been a weak point, contributing to the inability to close out games effectively. Facundo Torres has been the club’s standout player, leading the team with 8 goals and 2 assists, while Martin Ojeda supports with 3 goals and 6 assists. 

However, the team’s shot accuracy and the number of assists have been underwhelming, ranking 18th and 16th in the league respectively. The Lions’ defense, led by Pedro Gallese in goal, has allowed more opportunities than they’ve saved, ranking 26th in saves with only 65. The recent 3-0 defeat against Sporting Kansas City highlights Orlando’s vulnerability, particularly in handling quick counter-attacks and set-pieces.

Nashville SC, on the other hand, is languishing near the bottom of the table, struggling with a 6-11-8 record. Offensively, they are one of the worst in the league, ranking 28th with just 26 goals. Sam Surridge has been a bright spot with 8 goals, but the lack of support around him has been glaring. 

Nashville’s defense, however, has been its stronger suit, with Joe Willis making 84 saves this season, placing them 9th in the league. Despite a strong defensive record, the inability to convert defense into offense has been the downfall, as shown in recent losses. The team’s form has been poor, failing to score in the last two matches and losing three of their last five.

Orlando City SC holds the advantage in this matchup. Nashville's lack of firepower upfront and struggle to convert defensive solidity into goals makes them unlikely to pose a significant threat. Orlando, despite inconsistencies, has the offensive capability, particularly with players like Facundo Torres, to break through Nashville’s defense. Playing at home gives them an additional edge. Expect Orlando to dominate possession and create more scoring opportunities, ultimately leading to a home victory. Final Score Prediction: Orlando City SC wins 2-0.