Picault, Mukhtar lead Nashville over Orlando City 2-0
Orlando City's Dagur Thorhallsson, left, and Nashville SC's Taylor Washington go up to get position on a head ball during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, April 1, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. Credit: AP/John Raoux
ORLANDO, Fla. — Fafà Picault scored in the first half, reigning MVP Hany Mukhtar added some second-half insurance and Nashville SC defeated Orlando City 2-0 on Saturday night.
Picault took a pass from Mukhtar and scored in the 28th minute to give Nashville (3-2-1) a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Mukhtar picked up his first goal of the season, scoring in the 74th minute with assists from Shaq Moore and Dax McCarty.
Orlando City (2-2-2) had an 18-7 advantage in shots and a 6-3 edge in shots on goal.
Joe Willis totaled six saves to earn the clean sheet for Nashville. Pedro Gallese turned away one shot for Orlando City.
Six of the nine previous meetings between the clubs ended in draws. Orlando City, which snapped a five-match winless streak with a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union last week, won the first meeting with Nashville and hasn't won since.
Nashville returns home to host Toronto on Saturday. Orlando City is idle.
Orlando City's Rodrigo Schlegel, top left, and Ramiro Enrique (7) try to head the ball in the goal as Nashville SC's Brian Anunga, top right, tries to stop them during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, April 1, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. Credit: AP/John Raoux
