Decision Day in MLS was quite eventful, and fans of the 17s were left satisfied. Atlanta United made their way to Florida to face local rival Orlando City SC, knowing a victory would keep their playoff hopes alive. The 5-Stripes executed one of their best starts of the season, securing a 2-1 triumph over Orlando.
Goals scored by Saba Lobjanidze and Jamal Thairé ensured Atlanta’s success. With some favorable results elsewhere, Atlanta United managed to clinch a position in the top 9 of the Eastern Conference and earned their spot in the playoffs.
“I feel a great sense of pride. There’s a lot of emotion involved. I’m overjoyed for the players, the staff, and everyone at the club who has faced challenges this year,” stated interim head coach Rob Valentino following the match. “I’m not sure if this vindicates anything; it simply illustrates that with perseverance, anything is achievable.”
Both teams vying for playoff positions
Both teams had significant stakes on Decision Day. Atlanta United was still seeking qualification for the MLS Cup Playoffs and required a win against Orlando City SC to keep their chances alive. To secure a playoff spot, Atlanta needed to win and two out of three specific scenarios to unfold. Although Orlando City SC had already qualified for the playoffs, a top-four finish was not assured; they needed a positive result to maintain home field advantage against New York City FC.
In addition to winning, Atlanta United had to hope for at least two of the following outcomes:
- A LOSS for CF Montréal at home against New York City FC
- A LOSS for D.C. United at home against Charlotte FC
- A draw OR loss for Philadelphia Union at home against FC Cincinnati
Atlanta received assistance from their rivals Charlotte FC, who defeated D.C. United 3-0. Meanwhile, CF Montréal triumphed over New York City FC with a score of 2-0.
A strong start paved the way for Atlanta United’s 2-0 lead
Saba Lobjanidze continued his prolific scoring streak for Atlanta United. The 5-Stripes mirrored Orlando’s strategy by controlling possession and pushing toward the goal. Defender Pedro Amador, one of Atlanta’s standout players since his acquisition in July, collaborated with Lobjanidze to advance the ball into the attacking zone. Just seven minutes into the match, a swift pass from Amador enabled Lobjanidze to slot the ball past Orlando goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
Just nine minutes later, the 5-Stripes extended their lead. Alexey Miranchuk took a corner kick for Atlanta, but Gallese failed to secure the ball from the set piece. The ball rebounded off Atlanta United players Tyler Wolff, Bartosz Slisz, and Derrick Williams. After striking Williams, the ball found striker Jamal Thiaré, who sent it into the lower right corner of the net.
The last time Atlanta United displayed such strength during a set piece was on July 20 when Stian Gregersen scored two headers off corner kicks, securing a 2-1 victory over the defending MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew. Prior to this match, Atlanta United had only found the back of the net in the first 45 minutes a mere four times this season.
“It was huge. It could have easily been 3-0, as we had a few more opportunities,” stated defender Derrick Williams regarding the 2-0 lead at halftime. “I’ve played numerous matches where you’re up 2-0. There’s an old saying in football: that score can be tricky. If the other team gets one back, they gain momentum and sometimes you end up losing. To secure a 2-1 win, particularly on the road against Orlando, is fantastic. All the odds were against us, and to triumph over our rivals is uplifting. I’m really pleased for our fans, too.”
How did the 5-Stripes handle Orlando’s counterattack
Similar to their recent opponents, such as the Philadelphia Union and New York Red Bulls, Orlando City SC aimed to dominate possession. The 5-Stripes managed to hold them off for the first 40 minutes of the first half, but Orlando found the net in the 42nd minute. They capitalized on a turnover, advancing behind Atlanta’s defenders into the final third. Rafael Santos chased down the ball and delivered a cross to Martin Ojeda, who headed it past Brad Guzan for Orlando.
With a one-goal lead and the possibility of a playoff spot on the line, Atlanta United faced a decision after halftime: should they press forward for a third goal or adopt a more defensive posture? They came out aggressively and earned a penalty shot. Miranchuk, who had been perfect on penalties for the season up to this match, saw his left-footed attempt saved by Gallese.
As the seconds dwindled in the second half and Orlando ramped up their efforts, Atlanta United made defensive substitutions. Notably, Dax McCarty, who announced his retirement at the end of the season back in August, played his final regular-season match for MLS in his hometown of Orlando.
Saved by Brad Guzan and VAR
From the very beginning of the match, veteran goalkeeper Brad Guzan proved to be an impenetrable barrier for Atlanta United. Within the first five minutes, he made a pivotal save, arguably the most crucial of the 2024 season, with a spectacular diving stop using his left hand to maintain a scoreless tie. Just two minutes later, Lobjanidze found the back of the net to score the first goal. Guzan’s impressive skills were on display throughout the second half, particularly as Orlando City intensified their quest to equalize. His standout moment in the latter half came in the 86th minute when he expertly caught a close-range header from Orlando centerback Rodrigo Schlegel.
But Guzan was not the sole factor in securing the victory for the 5-Stripes. In the 89th minute, it appeared that Orlando City had leveled the score at 2-1 with a goal from Duncan McGuire. However, after a thorough review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), the goal was ruled out due to a handball. This allowed Atlanta to finish the match with a win.
UP NEXT – Goodbye regular season, Bonjour Montréal!
Atlanta United secured their victory in Orlando, and they received additional support from other teams within the conference. Wins from Charlotte FC and FC Cincinnati enabled Atlanta United to climb the standings and continue their season.
Atlanta United has punched their ticket to the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. They will enter as the 9-seed and face off against the 8-seed CF Montréal in the Wild Card Game scheduled for October 22.
“The mentality remains the same; we entered this match knowing that we had to win to keep our hopes alive, and that will be the approach in Montréal as well,” stated Valentino. “Winning is essential to give ourselves a shot at progressing. This strategy won’t change, but we also need to ensure our players are as fresh as possible for the next game.”
Atlanta United Secures Playoff Spot with Dramatic 2-1 Win Over Orlando City on Decision Day
Match Overview
On Decision Day, Atlanta United clinched a crucial playoff spot with a thrilling 2-1 victory over their fierce rivals, Orlando City. This match not only highlighted the team’s fighting spirit but also showcased their tactical prowess as they navigated a high-pressure environment. With this win, Atlanta United solidified their position in the MLS playoffs, ensuring their fans another chance to cheer them on in the postseason.
Key Players in the Match
The victory was marked by standout performances from several key players:
- Alexey Miranchuk: Scoring the opening goal, Miranchuk demonstrated his striking ability and composure under pressure.
- Saba Lobjanidze: Continuing his impressive season, Lobjanidze contributed a crucial assist, reinforcing his status as the team’s top playmaker.
- Goalkeeper Brad Guzan: Guzan made several critical saves, ensuring that Orlando City could not capitalize on their opportunities.
First Half Highlights
The first half was intense, with both teams vying for dominance. Atlanta United quickly established their presence, with Miranchuk finding the back of the net in the 15th minute. This goal energized the home crowd and set the tone for the remainder of the half.
Scoring Breakdown
| Minute | Team | Player | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15′ | Atlanta United | Alexey Miranchuk | 1-0 |
| 34′ | Orlando City | Facundo Torres | 1-1 |
Orlando City responded fiercely, equalizing in the 34th minute with a goal from Facundo Torres. This goal shifted the momentum, and both teams intensified their efforts as they sought to gain the upper hand before halftime.
Second Half Tactics
As the second half commenced, Atlanta United adjusted their tactics, focusing on maintaining possession and pressing high. This strategy paid off when they earned a corner kick in the 58th minute, leading to a beautifully executed set piece that was converted by Lobjanidze, putting Atlanta back in the lead at 2-1.
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Atlanta United | Orlando City |
|---|---|---|
| Possession (%) | 55% | 45% |
| Total Shots | 14 | 8 |
| Shots on Target | 6 | 3 |
| Corners | 7 | 3 |
Defensive Resilience
In the closing stages of the match, Atlanta United’s defense held firm against Orlando City’s desperate attacks. Guzan’s leadership and experience were pivotal as he organized the backline, ensuring that they remained solid in the face of pressure. The defense’s ability to communicate and maintain their shape was integral to the team’s success.
Fan Atmosphere and Support
The match was played in front of a lively home crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where the atmosphere was electric. Fans were on their feet, cheering and chanting, creating an intimidating environment for the visiting team. This support undoubtedly fueled the players’ performance, especially during critical moments of the match.
Benefits of Strong Fan Engagement
- Increased Player Motivation: The energy from the crowd can inspire players to elevate their performance.
- Home Advantage: Teams tend to perform better at home due to familiar surroundings and supportive fans.
- Community Connection: Engaged fans foster a strong sense of community and loyalty to the team.
Looking Ahead: Playoff Prospects
With this victory, Atlanta United has positioned themselves well for the upcoming playoffs. Their ability to perform under pressure and execute crucial plays will be key to their success in the postseason. Fans can look forward to an exciting playoff run, as the team aims to capitalize on their momentum.
Playoff Schedule
As the playoffs approach, here’s a look at what Atlanta United’s upcoming schedule may look like:
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| October 2024 | To Be Determined | Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
Conclusion
Atlanta United’s dramatic win over Orlando City exemplifies the team’s resilience and determination as they head into the playoffs. With strong performances from key players and the unwavering support of their fans, the team is poised to make a deep run in the postseason. Stay tuned as the excitement unfolds in the coming matches!
