After a disappointing result in Chicago, Atlanta United will look to right their road woes as they make the trip south to face Orlando City.
Matchday 15 Preview: Orlando City SC
Orlando enter this match in mixed form. Their last five league matches yielded two wins, two draws, and a loss. One of those victories came against the struggling LA Galaxy. Orlando also bowed out of the U.S. Open Cup with a loss to Charlotte FC. Prior to that, they traded wins and losses in six consecutive matches.
Their results see them placed 7th in the Eastern Conference with 19 points in 13 games played. Orlando’s middle of the pack position is a result of their middle of the pack performances. They average an equal 1.2 goals scored per match and 1.2 goals conceded per match. Both averages rank in the middle of the league.
Duncan McGuire and Ercan Kara lead the squad with four goals scored each. Kara has scored in three consecutive matches. A constant attacking threat has also been provided by Martin Ojeda who added three goals and three assists. Facundo Torres is also an ever-present threat in attack.
The midfield has been anchored by Cesar Araujo. He has appeared in all 13 matches with 11 starts. He has been partnered most frequently by Wilder Cartagena after his return from injury.
Pedro Gallese has been a mainstay in goal. He has posted a 70.6% save percentage with 15 goals conceded. The team has achieved three clean sheets.
Orlando come into this match off the back of an emphatic win over in-state rival Inter Miami. To this point in the season, they have struggled to make Exploria a fortress with the team only achieving eight points at home with two victories. Althouhh Orlando haven’t always capitalized on home field advantage, road matches have been uniquely tough this season.
Success for Orlando City can come from taking advantage of the mistakes that Atlanta United is prone to, especially late in games. They can also threaten Atlanta on the counterattack as they control possession and commit players into the attacking third. Atlanta attacks heavily with their full backs leaving space in their absence that can be exploited by Orlando.
Atlanta United
Atlanta has fared decently on the road. They have one victory in addition to three draws for six points. This will be their second straight match on the road following a 3-3 draw against the Chicago Fire. In that match, they conceded their 7th goal of the season in the 89th minute or later to drop two points.
Their league leading offense, 28 goals scored, has benefitted and righted itself with the return of Giorgos Giakoumakis. His playing time has increased each match with him playing the full second half against Chicago scoring two goals. According to that trend, he should be in line to start the match, but Atlanta has been cautious with injured players this season.
Injuries and player availability are currently ravaging the midfield. Franco Ibarra will miss this match through yellow card accumulation. A suspension will also be served by Luiz Araujo after receiving a red card in the previous match. Caleb Wiley remains away from the squad at the U-20 FIFA World Cup. Santiago Sosa is also a doubt after twisting his ankle. They are joined by Amar Sejdic and Ozzie Alonso who also remain out through injury.
Thiago Almada remains healthy and in fine form. Out of necessity a change must be made in midfield. Almada will likely be joined by Matheus Rossetto but the third member of the trio is up in the air. There is no true defensive midfielder left in the squad.
Lack of depth of wide players may also see Brooks Lennon moved up the pitch, taking a position on the right flank. Lennon has six assists this season and has been one of the most impactful pieces in the attack from the right back position.
The league leading offense has been contrasted by one of the worst defenses in the league. Atlanta are second from the bottom with 24 goals conceded, 2.43 goals per away match. Rotations in the backline did not fare well as they conceded three goals including an own goal.
Alteration further up the pitch may lead to changes in the defense as well. Lennon is expected to return to the lineup in Orlando, but his deployment in attack would see Ronald Hernandez maintain his presence in the right back position. Andrew Gutman would pair him in the full back positions.
Miles Robinson is also expected to return to the lineup. He could pair with Luis Abram for the first time as JuanJo Purata is rotated out of the squad with this being the third game in seven days. Clement Diop could also garner another appearance for the same reason.
Atlanta United have benefitted from fast starts all season. Another quick goal as well as continued set piece proficiency would bode well for success on the road. The issue that must be mitigated is goals leaked late, especially from lapses in concentration. Adherence to those keys should see Atlanta leave Orlando with all three points.
Atlanta United (6-4-4) vs Orlando City SC (5-4-4)
- When: May 27th, 7:30 EST
- Where: Exploria Stadium, Orlando, Florida
- How to Watch: MLS Season Pass – Apple TV+
For more information on Atlanta United this season, click the links below;
For more football news this season, click the link below;