Sam Surridge nets hat trick as Nashville routs Orlando

Cristian Espinoza also scores a goal and adds an assist in the 5-0 victory.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 6:10am

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Sam Surridge scored a hat trick and Cristian Espinoza had a goal and an assist as Nashville SC cruised past visiting Orlando City SC 5-0 on Saturday. Nashville (4-0-1, 13 points) remained unbeaten on the season, while Orlando (1-4-0, 3 points) suffered its second 5-0 loss in the last three games.

Why it matters

The lopsided victory keeps Nashville SC atop the MLS Eastern Conference standings, continuing their strong start to the season. For Orlando City, the loss raises further questions about the team's direction after parting ways with their previous head coach.

The details

Surridge scored once in the first half and twice in the second to lead Nashville's offensive onslaught. Espinoza opened the scoring in the 5th minute, and Nashville added goals from Surridge, Espinoza, and Warren Madrigal to complete the rout. Orlando managed just one shot on target compared to Nashville's nine.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 22, 2026.
  • Espinoza scored in the 5th minute to give Nashville the early lead.
  • Surridge converted a penalty kick in the 28th minute to make it 2-0.
  • Surridge scored again in the 55th minute to extend Nashville's advantage to 3-0.
  • Surridge completed his hat trick in the 67th minute, making it 4-0 Nashville.

The players

Sam Surridge

A striker for Nashville SC who recorded a hat trick in the 5-0 victory.

Cristian Espinoza

A midfielder for Nashville SC who scored a goal and added an assist in the win.

Maxime Crepeau

The goalkeeper for Orlando City SC who made four saves but allowed five goals in the lopsided defeat.

Martin Perelman

The interim head coach for Orlando City SC after the team parted ways with their previous manager.

Brian Schwake

The goalkeeper for Nashville SC who recorded his third clean sheet of the season.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to build on this strong start and keep our focus as the season progresses.”

— Sam Surridge, Striker, Nashville SC

What’s next

Nashville SC will look to extend their unbeaten run when they host the New England Revolution on March 29th. Orlando City SC will aim to bounce back from the lopsided defeat when they travel to face the Philadelphia Union on April 5th.

The takeaway

Nashville SC's dominant performance showcases their offensive firepower and ability to win convincingly, cementing their status as an early season contender in the Eastern Conference. For Orlando City SC, the loss raises concerns about the team's direction and ability to compete at the highest level in MLS.