We couldn’t stop scoring in our first six MLS games – now it’s three without a goal. Football’s a funny old game! Orlando City SC may have extended their unbeaten streak to six matches (2-4-0), but last Saturday’s 0-0 draw at CF Montréal felt just as frustrating as our stalemate against New York Red Bulls. Following our third straight scoreless outing and Rafael Santos’ red card, Oscar Pareja’s Lions return to Inter&Co Stadium to face fierce rivals Atlanta United in a matchup that’s always action-packed.
Still reeling from last Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at 10-man Philadelphia Union – and last season’s Eastern Conference Semi-Final exit at our hands – Atlanta will be out for revenge. But while they’ve spent big – dropping a league-record $22 million on Emmanuel Latte Lath – their results have fallen well short of expectations. With both teams desperate for goals and momentum, another fiery edition of this Florida-Georgia feud awaits.
Last time out
For the third straight game, Orlando City SC failed to make their dominance count, drawing 0-0 with CF Montréal at Stade Saputo despite numerous chances and another red card. Extending our unbeaten run to six matches (2-4-0), the Lions controlled large spells but lacked the cutting edge once again, with Luis Muriel, Iván Angulo, and Marco Pašalić all going close. Rookie Joran Gerbet impressed again in midfield, but Rafael Santos’ harsh second yellow on 76 minutes mirrored Rodrigo Schlegel’s dismissal the week prior, forcing City to dig in late. Anger followed after Luis Muriel appeared to be brought down for a clear penalty – but no call or review came. Honestly, referee Fotis Bazakos’ performance left much to be desired, leaving Oscar Pareja visibly bemused and frustrated in his post-match press conference. On the night, it really felt like we were playing 12 men! That said, Pedro Gallese was sharp, making seven saves, with Dante Sealy and Caden Clark particularly dangerous for the hosts. With Zakaria Taifi also making his MLS debut late on, we ultimately had to settle for another gritty point on the road. But frustration is mounting after three straight scoreless draws against beatable opposition.
Last head-to-head
On November 24, 2024, Orlando City SC triumphed 1-0 over Georgia rivals Atlanta United in a huge Eastern Conference Semi-Final. Despite early pressure from The Five Stripes, City dominated the game with relentless pressing. Ramiro Enrique’s persistence paid off on 39 minutes when he forced Brad Guzan into a fumble, leading to a corner that Enrique converted to give the Lions a well-deserved lead. The second-half saw Atlanta push harder, but Orlando’s defence, led by Robin Jansson and Pedro Gallese, stood firm. Despite several chances to extend the lead, the Lions held on to secure their first-ever Eastern Conference Final appearance – to rapturous applause!
What’s at stake this time?
Currently seventh in the Eastern Conference on 13 points, Orlando City SC trail new leaders Charlotte FC by six points after nine games. Unbeaten in six (2-4-0) – our longest streak since late 2023 – we’ve tightened up defensively, but worryingly haven’t scored in 270+ minutes. After 15 goals and standout DP production in our first six games, the drought is frustrating. But Pedro Gallese’s recent form is encouraging – especially his fingertip stop to deny Caden Clark last weekend. Still, back-to-back red cards for Rodrigo Schlegel and Rafael Santos – both debatable – haven’t helped. This Saturday, it’s Atlanta United – and if you’re an Orlando fan, no fixture gets the blood pumping more. We might throw shade at Inter Miami, but this is the rivalry that means the most – at least for me! Despite splashing an unprecedented $32 million on Miguel Almirón and Emmanuel Latte Lath, The Five Stripes are massively underachieving. Collecting just nine points from nine games (2-3-4), it’s officially their worst-ever start to an MLS season. With Ronny Deila already under serious pressure, it’s no time for mercy, so let’s ensure that their mediocrity continues! History says this one’s always spicy, but with City frustrated and Atlanta United floundering, this clash feels extra charged.
Opposition danger men
🇵🇾 Miguel Almirón (2 goals, 2 assists – 2025 MLS)
🇷🇺 Alexey Miranchuk (1 goal, 0 assists – 2025 MLS)
🇬🇪 Saba Lobjanidze (0 goals, 3 assists – 2025 MLS)
New opposition faces
🇳🇴 Ronny Deila (head coach)
🇯🇲 Ashton Gordon (Atlanta United 2)
🇯🇲 Jayden Hibbert (Atlanta United 2)
🇵🇱 Mateusz Klich (D.C. United)
🇺🇸 Will Reilly (Stanford University)
🇯🇵 Cayman Togashi (Sagan Tosu)
🇵🇾 Miguel Almirón (Newcastle United)
🇨🇮 Emmanuel Latte Lath (Middlesbrough)
🇺🇸 Dominik Chong-Qui (Atlanta United 2)
Injuries
🇺🇾 César Araújo (lower leg) – questionable
🇨🇴 Eduard Atuesta (thigh) – questionable
🇵🇪 Wilder Cartagena (right leg) – SEI
🇦🇷 Ramiro Enrique (upper extremity) – questionable
🇫🇷 Joran Gerbet (lower leg) – questionable
🇨🇱 Favian Loyola (thigh) – out
🇯🇵 Yutaro Tsukada (knee) – SEI
🇳🇴 Stian Gregersen (quadriceps) – out
🇫🇷 Tristan Muyumba (adductor) – out
🇮🇪 Derrick Williams (hamstring) – out
*SEI – Season-Ending Injury List (Unavailable)
Suspensions
🇧🇷 Rafael Santos – one game (red card at CF Montréal)
🇨🇮 Emmanuel Latte Lath – one game (yellow card accumulation)
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Orlando City SC vs Atlanta United
Last 3 head-to-heads
- March 17, 2024: Atlanta United 2 Orlando City SC 0 (MLS)
- October 19, 2024: Orlando City SC 1 Atlanta United 2 (2024 MLS Decision Day)
- November 24, 2024: Orlando City SC 1 Atlanta United 0 (2024 MLS Cup Playoffs)
2015/24 head-to-head stats
- It was 1-0 to Orlando the last time the sides met (November 2024)
- Played Atlanta 22 times in MLS – Orlando 5, Draws 7, Atlanta 10
- In MLS, Orlando have gone 5-5-4 against Atlanta with Oscar Pareja as head coach
- Orlando are unbeaten in their last 3 MLS fixtures at home, going 2-1-0
- Atlanta have failed to score in their last 2 MLS fixtures
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Watching the game
Orlando City SC vs Atlanta United will be shown live on Apple TV at 00:15 (GMT) on Sunday, April 27.
Remember, UK supporters can watch all of Orlando City SC’s 2025 MLS regular season fixtures by subscribing to Apple TV’s “MLS Season Pass”.
Subscribe now by clicking here.
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