MLS Nashville SC

Nashville SC Begins Quest for MLS Cup 2023 Monday at Orlando City SC in Game One of Best-Of-3 Series

Published on October 28, 2023 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Nashville SC News Release


NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Seventh-seeded Nashville SC (13W-11L-10D, 49 pts.) will begin its pursuit of the MLS Cup 2023 on the road against second-seeded Orlando City SC (18W-7L-9D, 63 pts.) when the First Round Best-of-3 Eastern Conference Playoffs series kicks off Monday, Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. CT.

The Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs marks the fourth-straight season the Boys in Gold have qualified for the playoffs in as many seasons in the league, becoming just the third team in MLS history to accomplish this feat. During the team's previous two Eastern Conference Playoff appearances, Nashville SC has advanced to the Conference Semifinals. Heading into Game One at Orlando, the club is riding a four-match road unbeaten streak during which the team has allowed only one goal against, recorded three shutouts, and netted four goals.

Yesterday, Head Coach Gary Smith and Team Captain Walker Zimmerman previewed Monday's Game One by highlighting the longstanding competitive history between the two squads, the new MLS Cup Playoffs format, and Nashville SC's past success in knockout games and penalty shootouts, including both the MLS Playoffs and Leagues Cup.

For the first time in league history, the 2023 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs will employ a Best-of-3 format during round one matchups. In the new playoff format, the Round One Best-of-3 Series includes a home-away-home configuration that guarantees at least one home game for all teams. If a match is tied at the end of regulation during the Wild Card and Best-of-3 Series matches, no extra time will be played, and teams will participate in kicks from the penalty spot to determine the winner. The first team to win two matches in the Best-of-3 Series will advance to the Conference Semifinals. Game Two of the Best-of-3 Series in Music City on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 8 p.m. CT will mark the first MLS Cup Playoffs match at GEODIS Park (tickets available).

The two sides have met nine times in MLS play (regular season + playoffs), most recently splitting the 2023 MLS regular season series, with the Boys in Gold earning their first road victory of the 2023 campaign with a 2-0 result at Orlando in April. Nashville SC holds a 3W-2L-4D record in series history against Orlando City SC and currently sit at 2W-1L-1D at Exploria Stadium. The clubs have met once before in the playoffs, resulting in a 3-1 Nashville SC victory during the Audi 2021 MLS Cup Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at Nissan Stadium in the team's last home playoff match.

Tickets for Game Two at GEODIS Park at 8 p.m. CT on Tuesday, Nov. 7 are available. By purchasing tickets, fans can show their support For the Gold and witness history when GEODIS Park, the largest soccer-specific stadium in the U.S. and Canada, hosts its first-ever MLS Playoffs match.

BROADCAST INFORMATION:

- Television: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, FS1, FOX Deportes

- Radio: 104.5 The Zone, Sirius XM

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Major League Soccer Stories from October 28, 2023


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