Hany Mukhtar scored two goals on Tuesday night, proving to be the difference in Nashville’s 3-1 win over visiting Orlando City in the MLS playoffs. The win means third-seeded Nashville will advance to face second-seeded Philadelphia in the conference semifinals.
Nashville and Orlando played to draws in each of their three previous meetings in the regular season. Against Orlando City, Mukhtar recorded his fifth game this season with at least two goals.
Orlando opened the scoring after 14 minutes through Daryl Dike, with the 21-year-old netting in his fifth consecutive game. Muchtar first punched after 21 minutes to equalize, then put his team up 2-1 with 16 minutes left in the second half. Jhonder Cadiz made it 3-1 for the hosts in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
Nashville will face Philadelphia Union on Sunday in the conference semifinals. Union killed the New York Red Bulls’ dreams with a last-minute, extra-time wonder goal from Jakob Glesnes.
In the other Eastern semifinal match, the New England Revolution will host New York City FC next Tuesday. In the Western semis, Colorado will face the Portland Timbers on Thursday, while Sporting KC will play the winner between Seattle and Real Salt Lake on Sunday.
The New England Revolution is the bookies’ favorites to win the MLS Cup this season at +300, with Seattle next at +525. The Colorado Rapids stand at +625, while Sporting Kansas City is at +650. Union is further behind at +1050, whereas Nashville is regarded as a long shot at +1150. The Timbers return +950 and NY City FC +1250.