Tools to the Match: How Atlanta United advances past Orlando City to continue playoff run 

Atlanta’s run in the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs continues this weekend when it heads back to the state of Florida to face rival Orlando City SC in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. After pulling off the upset in Round One against Inter Miami CF, the 5-Stripes hope to ride that momentum once again on Sunday afternoon. These two sides have faced each other a lot over the years, but Sunday’s meeting will be the first in the playoffs. Most recently, Atlanta defeated Orlando 2-1 on Decision Day to secure a spot in the playoffs. Orlando was the only top-four seed to advance out of Round One in the Eastern Conference, and it needed a penalty shootout in Game 3 to defeat Charlotte FC. The rivalry between these two teams dates back to 2017 when Atlanta first began play in MLS. Sunday’s match is sure to add another chapter to that rivalry. Let’s take a look at the Tools to the Match presented by Home Depot against Orlando City SC.

Find your rhythm quickly and create quality scoring chances

One of the things that makes MLS unique is the November international break that falls between Round One and the rest of the playoffs. Finding your playing rhythm quickly is one of the major factors not only for Atlanta United but for all teams left in the playoffs. Several players went on international duty for the 5-Stripes and are returned to training at different times this week. The same is true for Orlando. The team that can find its rhythm quickly on Sunday will have an advantage in the match.

Another key for Atlanta will be to create quality scoring chances. The 5-Stripes lead MLS with five clear-cut chances created in the playoffs. If they can continue to create those clear scoring opportunities, they have the finishers in the team to punish Orlando.

Limit Orlando’s dangerous wing play

One of the ways that Orlando likes to attack defenses is through their dangerous wing play. They have speed on both flanks in the likes of Ivan Angulo and Facundo Torres. Alongside the creativity that Martin Ojeda can bring to the table, the Lions present an attack that Atlanta’s defense needs to be aware of at all times. Ojeda scored on Decision Day and had a team-high 12 assists during the regular season. Torres is Orlando’s most dangerous player in attack with 22 goal contributions when you combine regular season and playoffs so far. Atlanta’s fullbacks or wingbacks will be crucial to success on Sunday.

United for the same goal

The 5-Stripes have been in playoff mode for more than a month now. They have overcome a lot of adversity and seem to be peaking at the right time. What happened in the regular season doesn’t matter, it’s all about this one match on Sunday now. The entire team has come closer together and they have played with more confidence and with a belief that they can beat anyone. Atlanta showed that in the Round One series against the team that recorded the most points in MLS regular season history. That kind of togetherness and team spirit is needed once again on Sunday in order to take down Orlando.

Fans can tune in on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV on Sunday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. ET when the action kicks off at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida. To hear the action on radio, tune into Sports Radio 92.9 The Game (English) or La Mejor – AM 1600 (Spanish).