Analysis The numbers behind the result
Orlando edge Nashville in tight contest with superior shot volume
Orlando City's 1-0 victory was a fair reflection of their slight superiority in chance creation, with their 11 total shots (3 on target) dwarfing Nashville's meagre 3 attempts (1 on target). The hosts' 52% possession translated into 6 shots inside the box versus Nashville's 2, with substitute T. Spicer converting the decisive chance in the 72nd minute after being teed up by J. Ellis.
Tactically, Orlando's midfield control allowed them to sustain pressure, evidenced by their 339 total passes (308 accurate) compared to Nashville's 323 (291 accurate). Despite Nashville winning more corners (3 vs 2), they failed to test Orlando's goalkeeper beyond one routine save. Orlando's defensive discipline was key, committing just 5 fouls and conceding only 2 offsides against a Nashville side that lacked cutting edge.
The telling stat: Orlando's 11 shots to Nashville's 3 – a near four-fold advantage in attacking output that ultimately decided this cagey encounter.