Orlando City
Orlando City vs. Atlanta United: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More
The Lions renew acquaintances with the Five Stripes with OCSC still in need of its first league win of 2024.
Welcome to your match thread for a Sunday evening matchup between Orlando City (0-2-1, 1 point) and Atlanta United (1-1-0, 3 points) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (7 p.m., FOX Sports 1, Apple TV+ (free)). It’s the first of two scheduled meetings between the two MLS Eastern Conference rivals this season and the only one in Georgia. The Five Stripes will make the return trip to Orlando on Decision Day, Oct. 19, at 6 p.m.
Here’s what you need to know ahead of tonight’s match.
History
The Lions are 4-8-7 in the all-time series against Atlanta in league play and 2-3-4 on the road. The last time the teams met, it also took place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with Orlando City capturing a 2-1 away win. Atlanta took the lead through Caleb Wiley, but Antonio Carlos and Duncan McGuire scored to lead the Lions’ comeback.
The also met in Orlando on May 27, 2023, at then-Exploria Stadium and played to a 1-1 draw. It was a heartbreaking dropped two points for the Lions, who took the lead through Kyle Smith at the half-hour mark and held that lead until four minutes from full time, when Tyler Wolff pounced on a fortunate rebound in the box and equalized.
Atlanta went 1-0-1 in the season series in 2022. On Sept. 14 at Exploria Stadium the Five Stripes won 1-0 on a Thiago Almada goal despite the Lions out-shooting Atlanta 20-10. The sides played to a 1-1 draw in their first meeting of that year on July 22 in Atlanta. Mauricio Pereyra staked the Lions to an early 1-0 lead on a beautiful free kick. Juan Jose Purata equalized in the second half, but Atlanta bombarded Orlando the majority of the game and completely controlled the midfield, out-shooting the Lions 18-3 in the match.
Orlando had a six-match unbeaten streak in the series (3-0-3) snapped on Sept. 10, 2021, as the Five Stripes won 3-0 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. George Campbell and Ezequiel Barco scored for Atlanta, sandwiched around a Daryl Dike own goal to hand Gonzalo Pineda his first win as manager for United.
The second of three 2021 meetings took place July 30 at Exploria Stadium, with the Five Stripes taking the lead twice on goals by Josef Martinez and Marcelino Moreno, but the Lions not only fought back twice on strikes by Smith and Silvester van der Water, but Nani scored a late game winner by heading in VDW’s cross in Orlando City’s 3-2 win. The first meeting of that season between the two rivals came on opening day — April 17 — and they played to a 0-0 draw. It was an evenly matched game, with each team firing 11 shots and getting three on frame.
The final meeting of 2020 came on Oct. 28, when Orlando City ran away with a 4-1 win over Atlanta at Exploria Stadium. Dike, Chris Mueller, Tesho Akindele, and Matheus Aias — his first in MLS — scored the goals for the Lions, with Cubo Torres preventing a shutout with a late goal for the visitors. Prior to that, the teams met in Atlanta on Oct. 7, 2020 and played to a 0-0 draw. Robinho and Nani each hit the woodwork and Brad Guzan stood on his head to prevent Orlando from taking a deserved three points in that one, while Brian Rowe held down the fort at the other end to earn a shutout in Pedro Gallese’s absence.
Back on Sept. 5, 2020, a late, unforced turnover by Kamal Miller led to Adam Jahn’s 92nd-minute tying goal that offset a Benji Michel goal in a 1-1 draw at Exploria Stadium. Orlando City finally got on the board in the series against Atlanta United with a 3-1 win on the road on Aug. 29, 2020. Junior Urso, Mueller, and Nani supplied the offense to more than counter a Brooks Lennon headed goal. That three-goal explosion snapped a three-match scoreless streak against the Five Stripes for Orlando.
Orlando City created an incredible 17 scoring chances on Aug. 23, 2019, yet finished none of them in a 1-0 home loss. Martinez scored the game’s only goal in the second half. Only 17 days earlier at Exploria Stadium, Orlando also failed to score and lost 2-0 to Atlanta, getting bounced from the U.S. Open Cup semifinals. On Mother’s Day of 2019, Atlanta United claimed a 1-0 win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Pity Martinez scored the goal.
Atlanta won at the building then known as Orlando City Stadium on Aug. 24, 2018 by a 2-1 final score. Leandro Gonzalez Pirez bundled home a rebound off Joe Bendik, who misplayed Barco’s free kick to open the scoring just 21 minutes in. Scott Sutter tied the game just before the half, but Josef Martinez broke the deadlock in the second half, with only 16 minutes remaining in normal time.
Atlanta easily claimed the June 30, 2018 meeting at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 4-0. Josef Martinez and Barco each scored a goal and Miguel Almiron added a brace. Orlando lost the first matchup of 2018, 2-1, on May 13. An early penalty on a Cristian Higuita foul gave the visitors a leg up on a Josef Martinez goal from the spot and Barco doubled the lead before halftime. Justin Meram scored his first goal as a Lion to pull one back, but Orlando could get no closer. The unfortunate ending included a shower of debris coming out of the stands due to dissatisfaction with referee Alan Kelly’s decisions that night.
Hector Villalba’s two late goals in the first two meetings turned what could have been an Orlando draw and a win into a loss and a draw. The two teams kicked off their series with Orlando suffering a late 1-0 loss at home on July 21, 2017. Villalba found the net late. Villalba then scored a stoppage-time tally to rescue a 1-1 draw for Atlanta in the second meeting on July 29, 2017. Kaká scored one of his best goals as a Lion in that match to provide Orlando’s lone score.
Orlando City became the first visiting team to take any points out of Mercedes-Benz Stadium with a 3-3 draw in Atlanta that September. Dom Dwyer scored his first brace as a Lion (in MLS, anyway) and also assisted on Cyle Larin’s goal. Josef Martinez’s hat trick spoiled Orlando’s bid to take all three points.
Overview
Orlando is winless in four consecutive games in all competitions (0-3-1) following Tuesday night’s 4-2 road loss to Tigres in Concacaf Champions Cup play. The Lions have lost their last two MLS games to Minnesota and Miami, getting outscored 8-2 in those matches, and they are 0-1-0 away from home in MLS games. At least the team’s offense is waking up. Duncan McGuire scored a brace against Minnesota and, although both goals were from the penalty spot, Designated Players Facundo Torres and Martin Ojeda each found the net on Tuesday.
Atlanta United is coming off a 4-1 destruction of New England in its home opener last weekend. Giorgos Giakoumakis’ hat trick made him MLS Player of the Matchday, while Almada added a goal from the spot. That win followed a narrow 1-0 road loss at defending champion Columbus.
Orlando City will have to deny service both to and from Almada, while simultaneously keeping close tabs on Giakoumakis to have a chance at a road victory in Atlanta.
“Expect a good game, like always, against Atlanta,” Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja said. “This is another derby in the area that is very well known. They’re good, they have done a good job in the last year, but we’ve been better too. We have to be trusting in ourselves and try to accommodate our bodies and have good energy. But mentally we need to be precise and be ready for the match.”
Orlando City will be without midfielder Wilder Cartagena (red card suspension), while Cesar Araujo (ankle) and Jack Lynn (lower leg) are listed as questionable. Atlanta has a clean availability report for this match.
Match Content
- Our Intelligence Report gives more info on United from Rob Usry from the independent site Five Stripe Final.
- The latest episode of The Mane Land PawedCast includes our key matchups and score predictions for the match.
- Our David Rohe provided his three keys to an Orlando City victory in tonight’s match.
Official Lineups
Orlando City (4-4-2)
Goalkeeper: Pedro Gallese.
Defenders: Rafael Santos, Robin Jansson, David Brekalo, Kyle Smith.
Midfielders: Martin Ojeda, Nico Lodeiro, Dagur Dan Thorhallsson, Ivan Angulo.
Forward: Luis Muriel, Duncan McGuire.
Bench: Mason Stajduhar, Michael Halliday, Abdi Salim, Rodrigo Schlegel, Felipe, Jeorgio Kocevski, Facundo Torres, Shak Mohammed, Jack Lynn.
Atlanta United (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Brad Guzan.
Defenders: Caleb Wiley, Derrick Williams, Stian Gregersen, Brooks Lennon.
Defensive Midfielders: Bartosz Slisz, Tristan Muyumba.
Attacking Midfielders: Xande Silva, Thiago Almada, Saba Lobjanidze.
Forward: Giorgos Giakoumakis.
Bench: Josh Cohen, Ronald Hernandez, Luis Abram, Ajani Fortune, Edwin Mosquera, Dax McCarty, Nick Firmino, Tyler Wolff, Jamal Thiare.
Referees
REF: Cristian Campo Hernandez.
AR1: Fevzi Demirhan.
AR2: Leo Mora.
4TH: Kyle Johnston.
VAR: Gregory Barkey.
How to Watch
Match Time: 7 p.m.
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Atlanta, GA.
TV/Live Stream: FOX Sports 1, FOX Deportes, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+ (free), FOX Sports GO, FOX Sports app.
Radio: FM 96.9 The Game (English), Mega 97.1 (Spanish).
Twitter: For rapid reaction and live updates, follow along at @TheManeLand, as well as Orlando City’s official Twitter feed (@OrlandoCitySC).
Enjoy the match. Go City!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 11/7/24
Orlando Pride prepare for the playoffs, Lewis Morgan named MLS Comeback Player of the Year, Champions League roundup, and more.
Welcome to Thursday, Mane Landers. Playoff soccer looms here in the City Beautiful, as Orlando City and the Orlando Pride both host games in which defeat means elimination. I’ll unfortunately be spending the next few days working but am still looking forward to following along when I can. Let’s dive into today’s links!
Orlando Pride Focus On Playoff Game
A historic season for the Orlando Pride will continue Friday when they host the Chicago Red Stars in their first playoff game at home. Preparing for the postseason is unfamiliar territory of sorts for this Pride team, but NWSL veterans like Morgan Gautrat and Carson Pickett can help the team get in the playoff mindset. Emily Sams, who is in just her second year with the Pride but has experience winning an NCAA championship with Florida State, spoke on how the team is focused on its goal of winning the championship that’s driven the team forward this year.
“We’ve come back to that at different points in the season and reminded ourselves that our big goals are to win the shield and to win the championship,” Sams said after training. “We know that it’s very serious and that if we don’t perform well, we could possibly go home. But also knowing that Chicago’s in the same boat, they’re coming to our environment, they’re in front of our fans, where we can control things and just know that we’re the better team and that we can, if we play our best and play up to the standard that we want to, that we’ll be the ones happy at the end of the game.”
Lewis Morgan Named MLS Comeback Player of the Year
New York Red Bulls midfielder Lewis Morgan was voted 2024 MLS Comeback Player of the Year for his performance this season after undergoing hip surgery in September of last year. The 28-year-old led his team with 13 goals and also had seven assists to help the Red Bulls clinch a spot in the playoffs. Morgan was also called up by Scotland for the Euros and UEFA Nations League. Injuries kept him out for most of the 2023 season and there were concerns over whether he would be able to return to form this year. He received 37.69% of the vote to win the award over Robin Lod and Maxi Moralez.
Hector Herrera Not Returning to Houston
The Houston Dynamo declined the option on captain Hector Herrera’s contract for next year. Herrera joined the Dynamo from Atletico Madrid in the middle of the 2022 season and helped the club win the 2023 U.S. Open Cup and make the playoffs the past two years. He had five goals and 21 assists over 62 regular-season matches and was named an MLS All-Star twice. It will be interesting to see what the Dynamo do with the now open Designated Player spot. Only two Western Conference teams scored fewer goals than the Dynamo’s 47 this season, so we’ll see how they add some firepower to the attack heading into next year. Houston is also in discussions with five players regarding returning for next year, including goalkeeper Steve Clark and midfielder Latif Blessing.
Champions League Reaches Midway Point
The fourth round of the UEFA Champions League wrapped up and there were plenty of great games held across Europe. Atletico Madrid went to France and left with all three points after a win against Paris Saint-Germain that included a winner in stoppage time from Angel Correa. A penalty kick right before halftime was the difference in Inter Milan’s 1-0 win at home against Arsenal. Aston Villa was handed its first loss of its campaign in a 1-0 loss to Club Brugge due to Tyrone Mings picking up the ball in his own box. Barcelona, Atalanta, and Bayern Munich all won, while RB Salzburg got its first win of the tournament by beating Feyenoord on the road.
Free Kicks
- Verizon was named an official partner of both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride. As part of this, fans can meet Jeorgio Kocevski and Jack Lynn at a Verizon store in Kissimmee today.
- Tottenham Hotspur’s clash against Victor Osimhen and the rest of Galatasaray highlights what should be an exciting day of soccer in the Europa League.
- Here’s a nice breakdown of the biggest conference tournaments in women’s college soccer heading into this weekend. Florida State is in the ACC semifinals and will square off against Wake Forest today at 5:30 p.m.
- Bayern Munich is reportedly interested in Burnley winger Luca Koleosho, who is eligible to play internationally for the U.S. along with three other national teams.
That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a great Thursday and rest of your week.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 11/6/24
Orlando City and Orlando Pride set for upcoming playoff games, Rafaelle out for the season, UEFA Champions League results, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It’s win or go home time for both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride this weekend. As if this week wasn’t stressful enough, we have that to occupy our collective minds. I know that I often prefer to concentrate on soccer, so let’s let to the links.
Do or Die Time for the Lions
Thanks to a lackluster performance by Orlando City in the second match against Charlotte FC away from home, the Lions need a victory to advance in the playoffs. Fortunately, the next match will be back at Inter&Co Stadium. The Lions will need Facundo Torres and Martin Ojeda to return to form if they are to win. Orlando City isn’t the only home squad looking to win this weekend.
The NWSL Playoffs Are Here
With the NWSL playoffs imminent, it is any club’s championship to win. Of course, we want the Orlando Pride to win a second trophy. Each club has a chance to win, though some are better positioned to do so than others. The argument against the Pride stems from the two road matches they recently lost, and the goals given up after winning the NWSL Shield. If the Pride can return to the defensive form from earlier in the season, their odds will be better.
Rafaelle’s Season is Over
Any hope we had of Rafaelle bolstering the Orlando Pride back line came to an end Tuesday, as did her season. The Brazilian has been placed on the Season Ending Injury list with a partial tear of her quadriceps tendon in her right leg. The club is working with Orlando Health on a recovery program for Rafaelle, in hopes she’ll be available for the 2025 season. We wish her a complete and speedy recovery.
Champions League Doesn’t Disappoint
It was quite a day in the UEFA Champions League Tuesday. Liverpool dispatched Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 on the back of a Luis Diaz hat trick, with all four goals coming after the 60th minute. Another high-scoring match saw Sporting CP down Manchester City 4-1 thanks to a hat trick from Victor Gyokeres.
Christian Pulisic helped AC Milan defeat Real Madrid 3-1 with the American providing an assist off a corner. It really was quite a beauty with a finish by Malick Thiaw.
The USMNT’s Malik Tillman scored a goal and added two assists in PSV’s 4-0 victory over Girona. Of course, Girona played a man down after Arnau Martinez received a second yellow card 10 minutes into the second half.
Free Kicks
- Atlanta United’s Brooks Lennon is expected to be out four to six months due to shoulder surgery. Lennon suffered a dislocated shoulder in Game 1 of the series with Inter Miami.
- Austin FC announced its roster decisions after missing out on the playoffs.
- In absolutely horrendous news, Jose de la Cruz, a defender for Familia Chocca was killed by a bolt of lightning as the players were exiting the pitch because of lightning in the area. Our thoughts are with his family, teammates, and friends.
- Evidently, a pig’s head was thrown onto the pitch during a match between Corinthians and Palmeiras in the Brazilian championship. Seriously, people. This is the type of thing that gives soccer supporters a bad name.
- Not going to lie. The quality of this tifo is exceptional.
- This Atalanta supporter will have a story to tell that few, if any, could ever dream of when talking about his club.
- If you were wondering what a day in the life of Felipe looks like, wonder no more.
- If you’re looking for something to do tonight perhaps you’d like to meet Simone Charley and Grace Chanda? The info is in the post below from Tuesday.
That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for both matches this weekend. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 11/5/24
Orlando City announces preseason match, how the Orlando Pride turned things around, Americans in midweek action, and more.
Happy Tuesday, everyone. We have a massive week ahead of us, as the Orlando Pride take on the Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL playoffs on Friday. That will be followed up by a pivotal Game 3 for Orlando City against Charlotte FC on Saturday. Both matches will be at home, so suffice it to say we have a lot going on around these parts. As usual, we have lots to talk through today, so let’s get into the links.
Orlando City Announces Friendly
Orlando City has announced that the club will play a preseason match against Inter Miami in Tampa on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. The game will take place at Raymond James Stadium at 7:30 p.m., with tickets going on sale to the general public on Nov. 14. There will also be a pregame fan festival set up outside the stadium, which is free if you have a ticket. The decision to play Miami in a preseason game isn’t a surprising one, as it involves minimal travel for both clubs, and a chance to capitalize on the box office draw of Lionel Messi. It is a little surprising that the decision was made to host the game at Raymond James Stadium rather than Orlando’s Camping World Stadium, but it’s possible that the latter wasn’t available, or that there was a desire to capitalize on the additional gate money from the extra 15,000 seats at Raymond James.
How the Pride Escaped the Cellar
In a season that featured several teams who played outstanding campaigns, the Orlando Pride still managed to finish first in the National Women’s Soccer League. It’s a feat made even more impressive when considering how the club has historically struggled, but the change didn’t happen overnight. The rebuild really got underway in 2021, which was when a series of high profile exits and trades began to take place, which would eventually allow the Pride to do a lot of maneuvering in the transfer market. It was a long process though, and it took the arrival of Haley Carter in the front office and Seb Hines as the head coach for things to really start coming together. It’s been an all-around effort, but one that paid off with a first-place finish this season.
Americans in Midweek Action
There are a number of Americans playing this week, so make sure you’ve got everything marked down on your calendar. UEFA Champions League action returns tomorrow, as Malik Tillman, Ricardo Pepi, and Richie Ledezma will take on Girona with PSV Eindhoven. Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan face Real Madrid, and Tim Weah, Weston McKennie, and Juventus hit the road to take on Weah’s former club, Lille. European action then continues on Thursday as Tanner Tessmann and Lyon face Hoffenheim on the road in the Europa League, and Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis host Celje in the Conference League.
Transfer Rumor Roundup
As always seems to be the case, there are a number of transfer rumors floating around. First up, Spanish outlet Marca says that if Vinicius Jr. becomes available then Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain would be interested in signing him. This comes amid reports that the Brazilian is considering a move to Saudi Arabia. Speaking of Chelsea, Enzo Fernandez could seek an exit from the Blues reportedly due to not being favored by boss Enzo Maresca, with Barcelona and Inter Milan as possible destinations. Finally, Eintracht Frankfurt star Omar Marmoush is reportedly attracting interest from some of Europe’s big clubs, with Bayern Munich and Liverpool both interested in signing him.
Free Kicks
- The Orlando Pride slipped a spot to third in ESPN’s NWSL power rankings.
- Josh Sargent will be sidelined for at least two months after having surgery for a groin injury.
- Fellow United State’s Men’s National Team player Antonee Robinson assisted on Fulham’s late winner on Monday afternoon.
- Neymar went off injured in his second appearance for Al Hilal since suffering an ACL tear last October.
- Edu has resigned from his position as Arsenal’s sporting director.
That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!
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