Orlando City at Atlanta United: Three Keys to Victory

Orlando City’s run of matches every couple of days is just about over. While I’m sorry to see the Lions bow out of the Concacaf Champions Cup competition at the hands of Tigres UANL, I am glad that the fixture congestion will let up and allow Orlando City to reset. It was a hard-fought loss Tuesday night, but fortunately the upcoming Atlanta United match is scheduled for Sunday night rather than Saturday.

What does Orlando City need to do to get the first win of the MLS regular season?

Defensive Midfield Makeover

Cesar Araujo was listed as questionable (ankle) on Orlando City’s availability report for the match against Tigres but did not dress. I’ll be surprised if that isn’t also the case on the fake plastic grass of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Additionally, Wilder Cartagena will be serving his red card suspension from the Minnesota match. That means Orlando City’s dynamic duo likely won’t be available for the upcoming match.

Look for Felipe to once again get the start, along with Nico Lodeiro playing in the 8 position. There are some other options, like having Michael Halliday start at right fullback with Dagur Dan Thorhallson sliding into the midfield. Or Oscar Pareja’s Swiss Army Knife Kyle Smith moves along side Martins. And rookie Jeorgio Kocevski could see his first action. Regardless, it is going to be a defensive midfield that Orlando City has not seen much of but one that must perform against the Atlanta United attack.

Who are you, and what have you done with Gallese?

Orlando City has leaked 13 goals in all competitions so far this year. Eight of those have been in MLS matches. That is way too many for a team with what was a stellar defense and top-five MLS keeper to give up. I’m not saying that all of those goals were Pedro Gallese’s fault, but he has let in some that I would normally expect him to stop and turned the ball over to allow Minnesota to score.

There have also been breakdowns in the back line in front of him, but he must regain his form if Orlando City is to get back on track. Atlanta United dropped four goals on New England last week. Both Atlanta’s offensive stars — Thiago Almada and Giorgos Giakoumakis — scored againts the Revs. Each scored a penalty and Giakoumakis had a hat trick to claim MLS Player of the Matchday honors.

For comparison, last year Orlando City only gave up two goals at this point last year, though in two fewer matches. The defense and Gallese need to get back on track.

Convert Chances

Orlando City hasn’t lacked opportunities to score goals so far this year. The Lions have 10 goals in all competitions so far. However, six of those goals came in the two matches against Cavalry FC of the Canadian Premier League. The other four goals came in two matches against Minnesota United and Tigres, both of which were losses. Scoring multiple goals is great, but it hasn’t been enough.

I already spoke of the defense getting its act in gear, but the offense needs to help them out against Atlanta United. I don’t expect Duncan McGuire to score as quickly as he did against Minnesota, but an early goal is still an advantage. Both times the Lions have scored two goals the club has lost. When Orlando City scores three goals, it’s a victory. Let’s have the Lions shoot for three.

That is what I will be looking for as Orlando City heads north to the monstrosity that is Atlanta United’s stadium. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.