This isn’t a match-up that anyone would’ve predicted, but Atlanta United defied the odds to deservedly overcome Inter Miami in their three-game series.
Jamal Thiare was the hero for the five stripes in game three with a brace, and he’ll be one to watch in this MLS semi-final.
A win here would pit either side against the winners of the first-ever Hudson River derby semi-final, so we can expect that both teams will put their best foot forward.
Home advantage might not necessarily favor Orlando, however, as The Lions have only beaten this opponent twice at Inter & Co. Stadium, the last victory coming back in July 2021.
History Not On Orlando’s Side
This fixture will almost certainly deliver goals, but Orlando will have to go all out if they want to reverse recent history against Atlanta.
| Orlando City | Draw | Atlanta United |
|---|---|---|
| -145 | +312 | +365 |
Head-to-Head: Atlanta United Consistently Have The Upper Hand
| Total | Orlando City | Atlanta United | Draws | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games | 22 | 4 | 11 | 7 |
| MLS Games | 21 | 4 | 10 | 7 |
| Goals | 55 | 22 | 33 |
Key Stats
- There have only ever been two goalless draws in this fixture.
- Orlando has won just two of the last nine matches against this opponent.
- Atlanta hasn’t lost on their last two visits to Inter & Co. Stadium.
- Orlando has only won two games vs Atlanta by more than one goal, both coming in 2020.
Orlando City Team News
Mason Stajduhar remains the only player that Orlando are unable to call upon for the most important match of their season.
Possible Lineup:
Pedro Gallese (GK); Rafael Santos, Robin Jansson, Rodrigo Schlegel, Dagur Dan Thorhallsson, Wilder Cartagena, Cesar Araujo, Ivan Angulo, Martin Ojeda, Facundo Torres, Ramiro Enrique.
Atlanta United Team News
Brooks Lennon is still out with a shoulder complaint and Edwin Mosquera’s knee problem will also keep him on the sidelines. Though Quentin Westberg missed the game at Inter Miami because of the concussion protocol, he’s expected to be back.
Possible Lineup:
Brad Guzan (GK); Ronald Hernandez, Derrick Williams, Luis Abram, Saba Lobjanidze, Bartosz Slisz, Dax McCarty, Tristan Muyumba, Pedro Amador, Jamal Thiare, Aleksei Miranchuk.
Orlando City vs. Atlanta United Prediction
It’s hard to look past the visitors in this one-off tie, particularly given how buoyed they will be after their victory over Inter Miami.
Confidence should be high for the five stripes, though complacency will be their enemy.
Orlando have shown in the past, and against this opponent, that they’re capable of getting the win on their day.
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