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Securing a record breaking sixth straight MLS victory last weekend, Orlando City SC now face their toughest test yet – an eagerly anticipated visit from rivals Atlanta United.
Following our 3-1 victory over Real Salt Lake, spirits are high in Central Florida right now and Jason Kreis‘ Lions will be eager to extend their winning run against a side City fans love to loathe!
Whatever we think of Atlanta United, Gerardo Martino’s side are an extremely dangerous outfit and currently lead the Eastern Conference (22 points, 10 played).
With Orlando City SC still yet to defeat Atlanta United in three attempts, there has been little to separate both sides so far.
The likes of Miguel Almirón, Josef Martínez and new boys Darlington Nagbe and Ezequiel Barco need no introduction and it’ll be down to Joe Bendik and the City defence to shut down Major League Soccer’s joint most potent side (23 goals) so far.
While Orlando City SC won’t be able to get away with the kind of defending displayed in large spells against Real Salt Lake, there is huge cause for optimism at Orlando City Stadium.
So far in 2018, Jason Kreis‘ side have rescued points from five games in which they were trailing, underlining the fight, hunger and togetherness in our new group.
This kind of never-say-die attitude is key and with Dom Dwyer, Yoshimar Yotún and Chris Mueller particularly consistent with their performances this term, another win here would prove a big statement.
For many, Atlanta United are one of the strongest sides in all of Major League Soccer but if Orlando City SC can continue their hot streak, more and more people will start taking us seriously as a side truly capable of reaching the MLS Cup Playoffs.
2017 head-to-head stats
After making the trip to Bobby Dodd Stadium in late July, Orlando City SC travelled upstate to Georgia for a second time in September.
Performing at Atlanta United’s new Mercedes-Benz Stadium home for the very first time, Orlando City SC returned with a point following a breathless 3-3 draw.
By the full-time whistle, Orlando City SC were the more frustrated side having squandered the lead three times to Venezuelan international forward Josef Martínez.
This game marked Dom Dwyer‘s first two goals back in a purple jersey following his mid-season trade from Sporting Kansas City.
With Cyle Larin scoring the other Lions goal, Orlando City SC‘s defence will need to bring their A-game to shut out the deadly Martínez.
Atlanta United 3 Orlando City SC 3 – Highlights – September 16, 2017 (Credit: Atlanta United FC)
Indeed, Josef Martínez has three goals in this game series so far, all scored in that 3-3 draw at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Currently leading the MLS Golden Boot race with seven goals so far this season, the 24-year-old can be an extremely tricky customer and shutting him out will prove key to victory here.
Atlanta United 4 Vancouver Whitecaps 1 – Highlights – March 17, 2018 (Credit: Atlanta United FC)
Orlando City SC form
That said, Orlando City SC certainly haven’t found it difficult finding the net so far in 2018.
Scoring AT LEAST THREE GOALS in our last THREE home fixtures, Dom Dwyer has scored in all of those games.
Completing a huge trade for the United States international last season, things started slowly for the 27-year-old but the prolific Dom Dwyer we’ve all become accustomed to in Major League Soccer is very much back.
Settled back into life with Sydney Leroux and his family in Central Florida, Dwyer notched his sixth goal of the season against Real Salt Lake last time out with his goals crucial in our rise up the Eastern Conference standings.
Orlando City SC 3 Real Salt Lake 1 – Highlights – May 6, 2018 (Credit: KSL Sports)
Having been the entertainers of Major League Soccer since 2015, there is no sign of Orlando City SC losing that tag.
City games always seem to rain goals with AT LEAST 2.5 GOALS being scored in the Lions’ last FOUR home fixtures at Orlando City Stadium.
Like we always say however, City supporters will be craving some more clean sheets and more convincing defensive displays so that we aren’t forced to chase and rescue games like we’ve become accustomed to recently.
Atlanta United form
Prior to Wednesday, Atlanta United hadn’t experienced defeat since their surprising 4-0 humbling at Houston Dynamo on opening weekend.
Going down 0-2 at home to Western Conference leaders Sporting Kansas City in midweek, there is even more incentive for City to win here.
A victory would draw the Lions level with Atlanta United on 22 points in the East.
But with Gerardo Martino’s side having won SEVEN of their last NINE Major League Soccer fixtures, this game won’t be easy.