Getting a result on a road trip to Orlando is never an easy task, but as Brad Guzan said after training Thursday, "there’s no better place to do it than Orlando away." Atlanta United will be fighting an uphill battle, but that adversity could be just the push they need.
The club's availability report Friday was about as lengthy as it has been this season, with four players listed as unavailable due to injuries and suspensions. At least one player from each phase of the game will be out for the 5-Stripes.
At the top, it won't be leading scorer Emmanuel Latte Lath at striker Saturday. The Ivorian accrued his fifth yellow card of the season April 19 against Philadelphia Union, earning him a one-match suspension for accumulation. In his place, there's a good chance that Jamal Thiaré will start. He's a sneaky yet physical striker that has a history of scoring against Orlando City, including in Atlanta United's 2-1 Decision Day win over the Lions October 19, 2024.
Tristan Muyumba won't be in the midfield Saturday after suffering an adductor injury against Union. He was forced off the pitch after 34 minutes, the second time he was unable to continue this season. Luckily, the 5-Stripes have plenty of defensive midfield depth without Muyumba, including Bartosz Slisz, Mateusz Klich, Jay Fortune and Will Reilly.
In defense, Stian Gregersen and Derrick Williams remain out. Gregersen picked up his quad injury just a few minutes before Muyumba during the Union match. Williams, dealing with a hamstring injury, is still ramping up to match fitness and will miss his fourth-straight match.
Down both their two first choice center backs, Atlanta United will have to rely on Luis Abram, Noah Cobb and Efraín Morales in central defense.
Player | Injury/Suspension | Status |
Stian Gregersen | Quadriceps | Out |
Emmanuel Latte Lath | Yellow Card Accumulation | Out |
Tristan Muyumba | Adductor | Out |
Derrick Williams | Hamstring | Out |
