Tools to the Match: How Atlanta carries over momentum into match vs. Orlando City SC on Sunday night 

Atlanta United is back at Mercedes-Benz Stadium this weekend when the 5-Stripes host old rivals Orlando City SC on Sunday night. Coming off a 4-1 victory against New England last weekend, Atlanta will look to carry over that momentum into this home match. Giorgos Giakoumakis scored his first MLS hat trick and was voted Player of the Matchday for his performance last time out. Thiago Almada found the back of the net as well. Orlando on the other hand is coming off a midweek Champions Cup defeat and is looking for its first victory of the 2024 MLS regular season.

These two sides have played some entertaining matches in Atlanta over the years and Sunday’s matchup shapes up to be another exciting chapter in this rivalry. Let’s take a look at the Tools to the Match presented by the Home Depot against Orlando City SC.

Consistency in the lineup and in the style of play will lead to victories

One of Atlanta’s main focuses coming into this season was to play its style of play, no matter the opponent, no matter the venue. The 5-Stripes featured one of the highest scoring attacks last season and with a little more solidity and consistency at the back, the same kind of output will produce more points for the team in 2024. One of the ways to gain more consistency is by being able to select the same lineup week in and week out. Gonzalo Pineda repeated his lineup in the first two matches of the season. The team has continued to work on the style and patterns of play it wants to produce. Last weekend’s third goal against New England was the perfect example of the kind of play this team is capable of. When you control the tempo and play confidently, Atlanta features one of the top strikers in the league to finish off those attacks.

Giakoumakis was everywhere in the win against New England. He scored from the penalty spot, off a header from a Brooks Lennon dime and through a sensational left-footed volley. He’s the type of player who doesn’t need a lot of chances or touches in the box to score. His 0.92 Goals per 90 minutes ranks him second all-time in MLS among players who have scored at least 20 goals. The only player he trails is Zlatan Ibrahimovic, not bad company to be in. If Atlanta continues to provide scoring opportunities for Giakoumakis, he will convert them and give the team a great chance to earn another three points at home.

Be prepared for anything from Orlando in this early season showdown

While Atlanta has only played two matches in the early portion of 2024, Orlando City has already played seven contests between MLS Regular Season action and Concacaf Champions Cup. The Lions are coming off a defeat to Tigres UANL in the Champions Cup and are still looking for their first victory of the 2024 MLS season. The team’s attack has scored two goals in each of the last two matches, with Duncan McGuire leading the way with a brace last weekend. After scoring 13 goals in his rookie season last year, McGuire is back with Orlando to lead the attack. The team added veteran striker Luis Muriel to the attack as it looks to push on from a second place finish in the Eastern Conference last season. Orlando also features dangerous wingers in Facundo Torres and Ivan Angulo who will test Atlanta’s outside backs.

If the 5-Stripes are able to control possession and limit Orlando’s transition moments, Atlanta will be in a good position to protect home field and secure a second consecutive victory.

Ride the wave of energy from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium crowd

Last weekend, nearly 68,000 people came to Atlanta United’s home opener and cheered on the team in the 4-1 victory over New England. That crowd was the third-highest mark in the world on March 9, and top-five in the world for the entire weekend. Once Atlanta got rolling in the second half and scored the second goal, the rout was on. Protecting its home field and feeding off the raucous Mercedes-Benz Stadium crowd is another goal for this team. They are off to a good start and have another opportunity Sunday to add to that. When Atlanta United scores two or more goals at home, the team is 82-7-23 (W-L-T) in those matches. Last season, Atlanta finished with an 11-1-6 (W-L-T) record when scoring two or more goals. If it does that again on Sunday and feed of the crowd's energy, three more points will stay in Atlanta.

Fans can tune in nationally on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV and FS1 on Sunday night at 7:00 pm ET when the action kicks off at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. To hear the action on radio, tune into Sports Radio 92.9 The Game, Sirius XM FC (English) or La Mejor – AM 1600 (Spanish).