Daryl Dike scores two goals for Orlando in win over Nashville

Former Virginia Men’s Soccer star Daryl Dike is making his mark in his rookie campaign with Orlando City, scoring three goals in the past two games. Dike, who was drafted by Orlando with the fifth overall pick in the 2020 MLS Draft, scored two goals Wednesday night as Orlando took down Nashville 3-1.

Dike’s first goal of the game came at the 51st minute mark of the game as he one-timed a perfect pass past the goalie to give his squad the 2-1 lead. Not only is his placement impeccable, but he put power on the shot to make sure the Nashville goalie never had a chance.

Twenty minutes later, Dike — who played all 90 minutes — iced the game with a finish on a blocked shot right in front of the cage.

Between the two Dike sustained a slight injury that required him adding a head wrap, but he didn’t miss any time. It also allowed for his pretty great zombie/mummy celebration.

This was Dike’s second straight start, and so far he’s shown the coaching staff they made the right call. In his first start, Dike scored his first career goal after relentlessly ripping three straight shots before connecting.

His goal had all of the things Virginia fans have come to love about Dike’s game: manhandling a defender, launching a devastating shot (or shots, in this case), and relentlessly pursuing the play. A teammate found Dike just outside the box, and he was able to turn inside and fend off his defender. The first shot was saved by the Inter Miami keeper — you have to hear the sound it makes — before the ball ricocheted back to Dike. He unloads a second shot, which a defender gets a foot on. The third rip, however, rang true.

After the game, Dike spoke to the media about the experience of starting and notching his first goal.

He’s had two starts and has been named the Heineken Star of the Match in both. Not a bad showing from the former Hoo.