Orlando City SC faced their Southern rivals Atlanta United without their leading scorer and most recognizable attacker on Sunday, as Nani was left at home due to calf inflammation, a development first reported by Pro Soccer USA.
Arriving as a Designated Player in February, the Portuguese superstar is the Lions' leading scorer thus far with five goals and four assists in 10 MLS appearances (eight starts). Sunday marks the first match he's missed since signing with Orlando.
The Lions hope to get Nani back for Wednesday's visit to the Seattle Sounders (10:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE in ESPN+ in USA, MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada). In the meantime, coach James O'Connor fielded a defensive-minded 5-3-2 formation vs. Atlanta, anchored by three holding midfielders in Will Johnson, Cristian Higuita and Sebastian Mendez:
