Coming off the team’s first loss in more than two months, Atlanta United (7-2-1) will look to keep their grip on the top spot in the Eastern Conference as they travel south to face Orlando City (6-2-1). With two of the most potent attacking sides in the league facing off in a budding rivalry with early playoff implications on the line, this is a match you will not want to miss. Make sure to tune in on FS1 at 6:00 p.m. EST to catch every minute.
Ahead of Wednesday night, we broke down the Tools to the Match presented by The Home Depot:
1) Dominate Dom
There’s no doubt that Orlando City’s primary scoring threat is Dom Dwyer, one of the most consistent scorers in recent MLS history. Last year’s nine-goal haul was the first time since he became a consistent starter in 2014 that he hadn’t hit double digits in goals, and he looks like he will break that barrier again this year with six goals in six starts thus far. Dwyer brings plenty of energy and a tireless work rate to the front line, in addition to posing a serious aerial threat and a knack for being in the right place at the right time in the penalty box. Cutting out crosses from the wings and limiting his touches inside the box will go a long way toward shutting down the goals from this Orlando City side.
2) Manage the Midfield
A mixture of old school and new school in Orlando City’s midfield has gelled into one of the more effective creative partnerships in the Eastern Conference. Sacha Klejstan is an MLS veteran and two-time member of the MLS Best XI, while Peruvian midfielder Yoshi Yotún is showing he’s the real deal in his first full season in MLS. Between them, they’ve combined for five goals and nine assists, a major portion of the team’s 19 goals so far this season. It’s a tall, but important, task for the Atlanta United midfield as they try to clog up passing lanes and limit the two creative cogs’ time on the ball in the center of the park. If the Five Stripes can knock them off their game, it could throw a wrench into the Lions’ attacking game plan.
3) Attack, Attack, Attack
While Orlando City has plenty of attacking weapons, there are weaknesses in their back line. The club only has one clean sheet so far this season –– none at home –– and has conceded nine goals in the past six matches. With Jonathan Spector still nursing injury, there are holes to exploit, and Atlanta United’s attack is as good as any at finding those weaknesses and turning them into goals. Hitting Orlando with a counter attack and forcing them into defensive errors could silence the Orlando crowd and get the Five Stripes their franchise-best fourth-straight road victory.
Follow the Match:
Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. EST, with the match set to be broadcast on FS1 and streamed on Fox Sports GO. You can listen to the game on the Atlanta United app or through one of our radio partners: 92.9 The Game or, for Spanish-speaking listeners, La Mejor Atlanta. Click here for a full rundown of how to follow along with the game.
