The 5-Stripes are back at home after Wednesday night’s match against Inter Miami CF was postponed and will be looking to extend its winning streak against Orlando City SC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The match will air at 3:30pm ET on Univision.
Ahead of Saturday’s match, we broke down the Tools to the Match, presented by The Home Depot:
Score Early
Last week, Pity Martinez scored a brace for the first time in an MLS match. The momentum shift after failing to score in the MLS is Back Tournament brought a much-needed 3 points to Atlanta. Martinez and company will need to attack early and often to beat a team that has given up three goals since competing in the tournament finals.
Martinez, Emerson Hyndman and Ezequiel Barco lead the team with two goals apiece on the season. Expect Orlando to try to stymy the midfield and force other Atlanta players to produce.
Defend Our House
Atlanta United is undefeated at home during the 2020 regular season, and Orlando has yet to win a match in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Orlando made it all the way to the final of the MLS is Back Tournament on neutral fields, ultimately losing to the Portland Timbers. Since the tournament, Orlando has lost its only other road game, falling to Inter Miami CF 3-2 in Fort Lauderdale.
Though our rowdy and proud fans will not be in the building physically for this rivalry match, their support will be omnipresent. As was the case against Nashville, Atlanta United will play fan noise from previous matches inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium to provide a lift for the players and make the experience without fans still feel like a true home match. The Supporter’s Section will once again be filled with flags and banners in an effort to recreate the best home field advantage in Major League Soccer.
Stop Orlando’s Attack
Orlando City is coming off a 3-1 win against Nashville SC. Orlando forward Chris Mueller opened the scoring for the club on Wednesday before Daryl Dike went on to net his first professional brace.
Without Fernando Meza, Atlanta United will need to rely on Brad Guzan and a strong defensive showing to stop Orlando from scoring. The defense is coming off a shutout win over Nashville that saw Guzan record his 37th clean sheet for Atlanta United. The nature of this rivalry match will provide extra motivation as the defense looks to stop Orlando’s dangerous attack.
Watch as Atlanta United takes on Orlando City SC Saturday at 3:30pm ET on Univision.
