US Open Cup: Orlando City beat Nashville to set up semi-final clash with RBNY

Orlando City beat 10-man Nashville SC 6-5 on penalties following a 1-1 draw on Wednesday night to book their spot in the US Open Cup semi-finals.

In a closely fought match, MLS MVP contender Hany Mukhtar gave Nashville the lead on 52 minutes, turning home an Alex Muyl cross at the far post.

Though Orlando dominated, that goal looked to be enough to seal progression for Nashville until the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time when Lions defender Rodrigo Schlegel fired home from close range after goalkeeper Elliot Panicco failed to claim a Mauricio Pereyra cross.

A goalless extra-time period followed in which Nashville midfielder Sean Davis received a second yellow card for pulling down Facundo Torres to stop an Orlando attack.

Oscar Pareja's men came out 6-5 winners from the spot, with Pedro Gallese saving Eric Miller's decisive effort.

US Open Cup semi-final draw

After making it past Nashville, Orlando City will now host the New York Red Bulls in the semi-final on July 27. Should they beat RBNY, they'll also host the final in September, facing the winner of the Sacramento Republic and Sporting Kansas City's clash on July 26.

Of the four remaining teams in the US Open Cup, only SKC have won the competition, doing so four times between 2004 and 2017 and never losing a final.

The Red Bulls have been losing finalists twice in 2003 and 2017, while Orlando's best performance was reaching the 2019 semi-finals where they lost to eventual winners Atlanta United.

The Sacramento Republic's previous US Open Cup best was back-to-back round-of-16 appearances in 2017 and 2018.