Orlando City earned its first win under interim head coach Martin Perelman last time out, but now the Lions are on the road against one of the best teams in Major League Soccer

The Lions (1-3-0, 3 points) face Nashville SC (3-0-1, 10 points) at Geodis Park on Saturday at 6:15 p.m.

“We’ve been doing all the things that we have to do right now to try and get better. And obviously, we are riding a high right now coming off that win, and we have to take that positivity forward,” said Orlando midfielder Braian Ojeda.

“I think we’re doing everything that we have to do this week to go into Nashville, try and take another victory, try and take the three points, and just keep doing what we’re doing to try and string together some wins here.”

Nashville is one of the best teams in the league right now, but they come into this matchup a bit tired after knocking Inter Miami out of the Concacaf Champions Cup on Wednesday. Elite attacking talent, like Cristian Espinoza and Sam Surridge, who both played 90 minutes against Miami, are unlikely to play a full 90 against Orlando.

Orlando could use that reprieve, as they have conceded a league-worst 11 goals in the opening four games. David Brekalo and Iago looked better as a centerback pairing against Montreal, but they will need to be even stronger against what Nashville has to throw at them.

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The Lions need to continue improving offensively. Duncan McGuire and Martin Ojeda both scored against Montreal, and Ivan Angulo was a menace all over the pitch. They face a Nashville defense that has only allowed two goals this season, with goalkeeper Brian Schwake leading the way as one of the best goalkeepers currently in the league.

Orlando should apply plenty of pressure without allowing Nashville to expose any space in the defense if they want to leave Nashville with a second win in a row. It won’t be easy, but coach Perelman and his squad will want to try to make a statement on the road.

Up next

6:15 p.m. Saturday vs. Nashville SC at Geodis Park