McGuire’s Stoppage-Time Winner Seals 3–2 Orlando City Victory Over Nashville SC

By Alonso Contreras

Orlando City produced a thrilling late comeback to edge Nashville SC 3–2 at Exploria Stadium, with Duncan McGuire’s stoppage-time strike handing the Lions all three points. The encounter was a pulsating affair, filled with end-to-end action, set-piece drama, and tense finishes that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

First Half: Ojeda’s Early Brilliance

Orlando City drew first blood through Martín Ojeda, who converted from a free kick in the 30th minute, curling a left-footed strike into the middle right zone. Just two minutes later, Ojeda doubled the lead with a composed finish from inside the box, assisted by Kyle Smith and Luis Muriel, putting Orlando 2–0 up.

Orlando continued to press, with Luis Muriel and Marco Pašalić testing Nashville’s defense and Joe Willis in goal, while Nashville struggled to find cohesion in attack. Nashville’s Hany Mukhtar received a yellow card in the 28th minute for a foul, reflecting the physical intensity early on.

Second Half: Nashville Strikes Back

Nashville SC responded just before halftime. In first-half stoppage time (45'+1), Mukhtar scored with a right-footed strike from the center of the box, reducing the deficit to 2–1 and keeping Nashville in the contest.

The second half saw both sides exchange attacks. Orlando City had opportunities through Duncan McGuire and Iván Angulo, while Nashville threatened with headers from Sam Surridge and shots from Mukhtar and Jacob Shaffelburg. Pedro Gallese made key saves to keep Orlando ahead, particularly in the 61st and 90'+7 minutes, denying Nashville’s late surges.

Final Moments: McGuire’s Dramatic Winner

The match seemed destined for a 2–2 draw until the seventh minute of stoppage time. Tyrese Spicer, showing vision and composure, threaded a pass to Duncan McGuire, who calmly slotted a right-footed shot into the upper-left central zone. The finish, with an xG of 72%, exemplified clinical composure under pressure and sent the Exploria Stadium crowd into jubilation.

Nashville had one last chance from a corner by Hany Mukhtar, but Joe Willis’s header was superbly saved by Gallese, sealing Orlando City’s victory.

Key Performers

• Duncan McGuire (Orlando City): Scored the decisive late goal and was consistently dangerous in attack.

• Martín Ojeda (Orlando City): Opened the scoring with a free kick and followed up with a well-taken second goal.

• Pedro Gallese (Orlando City): Made multiple crucial saves, including the final stop in stoppage time.

• Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC): Scored for Nashville and remained a constant attacking threat throughout.

Conclusion

Orlando City demonstrated resilience and determination, turning a 2–1 lead into a hard-fought 3–2 victory thanks to McGuire’s late heroics. Nashville SC’s persistence was rewarded with a goal and several close chances, but Orlando’s goalkeeper and late attacking composure ensured the Lions left with maximum points. This encounter will be remembered as a thrilling MLS clash defined by late drama and individual brilliance.