Orlando City and Nashville SC meet at Inter&Co Stadium in a game that could shape the MLS playoff picture. Only two points separate the clubs, and both come in under pressure after recent results. The goal, though, is the same: secure a postseason spot and, if possible, grab that edge of playing at home. There’s no hiding the stakes. This could be Nashville’s chance to clinch early. Orlando, on the other hand, is fighting just to stop its worst winless run of 2025.
Orlando looking for a lift at home with Muriel back
Things haven’t been easy for Orlando City lately. A 1-1 draw with DC United last time out ended a run of three straight defeats, but it also stretched their winless streak to five matches, their worst stretch of the season. The performance in Washington was encouraging, 26 shots to just six for the opponent, yet the finishing touch just wasn’t there.
The travel grind hasn’t helped. Over the past month, Orlando has logged close to 10,939 miles, bouncing between Los Angeles, Nashville, Fort Lauderdale and Washington. That takes a toll on any squad. Finally back at home, the Lions will lean on their solid record in the City Beautiful: 10 wins, five draws and four losses in all competitions.
The boost comes with Luis Muriel’s return. Suspended against DC, the Colombian forward is back with impressive numbers — 12 goals and 8 assists this season, including six goals in August alone. He’s the team’s leading scorer and the most decisive figure in 2025. Against a direct rival with plenty at stake, his presence could be the difference Orlando needs.
Nashville closing in on playoffs with Surridge firing
Nashville SC, on the other hand, arrives with momentum after a 3-1 win over Philadelphia Union in the U.S. Open Cup semifinal. Sitting fourth in the East on 50 points, the Boys in Gold can clinch their playoff spot this weekend with either a win in Orlando or a Red Bulls slip. The sting of that last-minute 2-1 loss to Cincinnati has already faded. A quick turnaround in midweek showed character and resilience.
But this isn’t just about making the postseason. A top-four finish would mean home-field advantage through the quarterfinals at least, and that’s very much within reach if they stay steady down the stretch. Sam Surridge is leading that charge. The English forward has 21 goals, putting him at the top of the Golden Boot race, and he’s red hot. He bagged a hat trick against Philly in the Open Cup, scored against Cincinnati, and struck twice in the 5-1 rout of Orlando back in August.
The recent history favors Nashville too. They’ve already beaten Orlando in their last league meeting and knocked them out of the Open Cup quarterfinals with an 8-3 aggregate. Everything points to another tense battle, with playoff stakes written all over it.