Duncan McGuire Clutches 3 Points for Orlando City at Home
The star striker capitalized in the final moments of the game to secure a win for Orlando in an ultra-competitive Eastern Conference.
In what was a crucial pivot point in the final stretch of the season for Orlando City, facing Nashville SC was no easy task. Nashville has had Orlando’s number all year; first, knocking the Lions out of the US Open Cup, then, dominating the team 5-1 in August. For both teams, this match would have major playoff implications for MLS’s Eastern Conference. Just 3 points separate 3rd place from 8th. This match up had all the makings to be one of the best this weekend and it did not disappoint.
The match started with a casual tempo as both teams felt each other out. The first goal came in the 30th minute when Martin Ojeda took the free kick well away from the center arc of the box. The ball tore through the air nicking Joe Willis’s gloves, the post, but ultimately hitting the back of the net. Not only did Ojeda break the previous record of goal contributions (Torres, 72g/a), he did it with gusto and finesse.
But wait, we aren’t done yet. Before Nashville could even recoup from what had happened, Orlando were rushing back towards the opposing goal. A clever pass and run from Kyle Smith and Ojeda respectively resulted in the second goal of the night as the Argentinian slipped the ball between Jack Maher’s legs and into the far post. This goal broke the club’s single season scoring record with 20 goals.
You know what they say the most dangerous lead is? Well Nashville and Hany Mukhtar proved this point by responding before the first half could end. Mukhtar took a shot that ended up bouncing back from the post. Ever the persistent goal scorer, Mukhtar made sure to bury the second ball into Orlando’s net. This would be the former MVP’s 15th goal of the season.
At halftime, BJ Callaghan would make a threatening tactical change; bringing on the speedy Jacob Shaffelburg in order to test the defensive resolve of Orlando’s backline. This change would pay out well for Nashville. In the 51st minute, it would be Shaffelburg that found the equalizer by running off the inside shoulder of David Brekalo. Not long after this goal, Sam Surridge almost found his own goal after rising above everyone to meet a well-crossed ball but ultimately put the ball wide.
In the 63rd and 73rd minutes, Oscar Pareja brought in new air into Orlando’s attack with Tyrese Spicer and Duncan McGuire coming into the game for Ivan Angulo and Luis Muriel.
In the final moments of the match, Spicer pushed the ball down the wing one final time. After dribbling into the box, the winger put the ball right into the space where a charging McGuire would soon be. McGuire, with the one touch finish, put the ball into the roof of the net. With the sale of Ramiro Enrique, it will be performances like this that make convince Pareja to work McGuire back into the starting lineup.
A huge 3 points for the Lions lifts the team above Nashville in the standings. However, more challenges lay ahead. Orlando City will now travel to Cincinnati, OH to face second place FC Cincinnati. After which, it will be back home for the Crew, and then the Whitecaps. If Orlando are going to really be a playoff team again, this is the time to get everything back to order like it was in August.