The 5-Stripes head back on the road this weekend when they travel to Inter&Co Stadium to take on Orlando City. This Southeastern rivalry matchup has been a feisty one over the years. Orlando eliminated Atlanta from the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs last season and the 5-Stripes will look to avenge that defeat on Saturday night. Atlanta sits in 12th place in the Eastern Conference currently and is looking for its first road win of the season. Orlando has played three consecutive 0-0 draws ahead of Saturday’s clash and sits in seventh place in the standings. Let’s take a look at the Tools to the Match presented by Home Depot against Orlando City.
Find chemistry and be effective in final third
Despite creating scoring opportunities in every match this season, Atlanta hasn’t been as effective in the final third as it would like to be. In the last four matches, the 5-Stripes have scored five goals, but four of them came in one match against NYCFC. They are still generating good opportunities, as their 8.35 xG number in those four matches shows. They also rank in the top-10 in terms of total shots (123) and tied for 11th in MLS in shots on target (43).
Atlanta needs to find that chemistry and effectiveness quickly with a busy stretch coming up. The 5-Stripes will play seven matches in the month of May. If they can be more effective in front of goal this weekend, that momentum could carry over into busy stretch.
Stay alert defensively on set pieces
Despite playing three consecutive 0-0 draws, Orlando City still carry some big time offensive fire power in their squad. Matin Ojeda and Marco Pasalic are tied for the team lead with four goals scored and provide a threat on the wings. Luis Muriel, who was a teammate of Alexey Miranchuk’s at Atalanta in Serie A, has found his form early this year with three goals and three assists. Orlando is especially threatening from set pieces. They have scored five set piece goals, the most in MLS coming into this weekend. Three of those five set piece goals came from free kicks.
Atlanta has been vulnerable on defensive set pieces this season, conceding five goals so far (26th in MLS). Only one of those five has been from free kicks. Atlanta’s defense has to be alert on set pieces in this match. Making Orlando beat you from open play and not conceding easy set piece goals should be a top priority for the 5-Stripes on Saturday night.
Play together as a team to get the result
Forward Jamal Thiaré, who could be in line for the start this weekend with Latte Lath on yellow card accumulation suspension, said it best during this week’s media availability.
“We need everybody. This moment is not easy for us, for the team. But we are staying positive. We are staying together.”
Momentum can change very quickly in a league as competitive as MLS. One goal, one win can turn everything around. Atlanta is searching for that one win this weekend at Orlando. If it can put together a complete 90 minutes as a team, stay solid defensively and convert its chances better in attack, it will have an opportunity to pick up three points on Saturday in this rivalry matchup.
