Orlando City and Nashville SC are in the kind of form that promises a thrilling Open Cup Quarterfinal this week. Orlando, fifth in MLS’ Eastern Conference and just four points off leaders Philadelphia Union, have been impressive in their three straight Cup wins – each one a nailbiter.
Nashville, in their third season in MLS and their first go-around in the Open Cup, are flying high as well. They’ve lost only once in their last seven outings in all competitions.
On the cusp of the Open Cup’s Last Four, both clubs are just two games away from lifting a first-ever trophy in franchise history. As added motivation, the winner of this week’s Quarterfinal would host the NY Red Bulls in the Semifinal – and also have hosting priority for the Final in September.
Home-Cooking Fuels Orlando Cup Run
Orlando City, who joined MLS in 2015, have been here before. In 2019, the last time the Open Cup was held prior to a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the men from central Florida stormed through to the Semifinal stage for the first time in club history. Despite hosting on that historic day, they lost out 2-0 to rivals (and eventual champions) Atlanta United.
Much has changed in Orlando since 2019, with the departure of Portuguese star Nani and the arrival of Alexandre Pato – the former Brazilian international who’s started every Cup game since OCSC joined the 2022 party back in the Third Round. The former AC Milan man’s playmaking, experience and all-around panache have helped make a firm fighting fist of the side who’ve hosted all three of their Open Cup games so far at Exploria Stadium (the venue for Wednesday’s Quarterfinal). There, they beat out the Rowdies (USL Championship), then Philadelphia Union and Inter Miami FC in the Round of 16.
