It’s one of the most anticipated matches on the calendar. You know it. You love it. You hate it.
It’s matchday against Orlando City.
Atlanta United (1-1-0) gets the primetime Sunday spotlight tonight as they welcome their beloved purple neighbors Orlando (0-2-1) to the Benz. The Five Stripes are in search of a second consecutive result in MLS play against Concacaf Champions Cup opposition (or ex-CCC, in this case) following a 4-1 drubbing of New England a week ago. The heavy legs of international competition seemed to work in Atlanta’s favor last weekend, and with Orlando returning from a 4-2 defeat in Monterrey against Tigres… you see where I’m going with this.
It’s Atlanta’s last match before a chunk of the roster leaves for the March international window. Six players head off to represent their respective nations— only two didn’t start against the Revolution, only one didn’t see the pitch. With points vital early on in the season, especially when having all players available for selection, Atlanta will be keen to make this one count, rivalry or not.
Is another banner performance from Giorgos Giakoumakis on the cards? Will Thiago Almada continue to justify his ever-increasing price tag? Does the series produce yet another Goal of the Year contender from either side?
Kickoff is set for a slightly earlier 7:00 PM ET, with the actual match commencing later at 7:25 PM after the pregame broadcast. As part of the Sunday trio, the match will air on FS1, with streaming free for all on Apple TV. Radio coverage is provided in English on 92.9 The Game and in Spanish on La Mejor.
Before kickoff rolls around this evening, be sure to check out our match preview and predicted lineups for all the match prep you need. Afterwards, come jump into the comment section below to discuss all the action from the Benz.
Atlanta United’s Lineup:
Orlando City’s Lineup:
How to Watch:
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Kickoff Time: Saturday, March 17th; 7:25 PM ET
Available TV/Streaming: FS1, Apple TV (Free)
Available Radio: 92.9 The Game, La Mejor 1600/1460/1130 AM
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announcers going on about Guzan’s hamstring. I’m pretty sure a good portion of that was just to slow the game down, get everyone to calm down and give us a chance to organize.
Guz is a master of the dark arts
He really is, he was skirting that second yellow for time wasting because Lord knows the ref was trigger happy lol
lol at the modified We are the A chant
I heard something on changed about it on t.v but couldn’t quite hear. What did they say?
each line (including the La’s) replaced with F*** Orlando
Interesting…
That should be 3-0.
I think should sub Muyumba out, probably for McCarty
Or that
Phew! What… a… goal! Lennon is a beast of a workhorse. Love the chemistry between GG and Lennon!
Had that defender flinging himself all over the place in desperation.
Damn, that was a goal from GG.
Beautiful from Giakoumakis!
Was that just a 3 v 2 counter and we don’t get a shot off?
GG had been fouled like 6 times and the ref hasn’t called $h;t. At this point, it’s a coin toss on whether Orlando ties it up or we score first… we seem to have lost some momentum (which is concerning).
This ref is quickly losing control of this match. He better figure himself out and start calling things better.
I’ll be amazed if this game ends without a red card.
If you pick up the ball….start screaming at me I’m giving you another yellow for being a muppet.
how is that not a straight red?!?
This ref is absolutely pathetic!
Don’t forget, they’re replacement refs…
We’ve had a lot of good chances, just haven’t been able to get the ball in the goal enough.
Defensively, it’s mostly just needing to neutralize Muriel. He just creates things no matter where he is.
That and we need the ref to start calling things equally on both sides. Hard to defend when the other team flops and the ref calls it.
Orlando dive team.
Almada is having his moments as usual, but not looking like a 30M player to me.
Hope the team as a whole cleans it up, but happy with the half overall.
Wiley is not having a good game. I would most likely sub him at half; especially with him getting burned multiple times on a yellow card. We’ve been lucky and unlucky first half… need to sharpen some things up at the break.
This ref is horrible
One of the worst I’ve seen in a while.
is it just me or is Orlando getting all the soft calls and Atlanta is not getting any calls…
Man, so close multiple times
Twellman had some great comments in the pre-game, essentially that Atlanta might be the atmosphere for having the best home record in the East. 67,000 “reasons” why the place is electric.
Not sure Apple/MLS were expecting the “f*ck you Orlando” chant to be that clear on the broadcast.
SABA TIME BABYYYY and what a ball from GG my word
Gallese really fallen. Remember when he used to be a wall.
He seems to be keeping them in the game?
He remembered how to be a wall again
This aged badly.
Tbf I was thinking the same thing, but telling the guy next to me he’s one of the best in MLS. And then he immediately had a double miracle save
Saba-tage
Great play by Giakoumakis and Saba!
Vamos!
Oof. Nice touch, Guz.
The bit they did for the Resurgens kit was fire
Im biased because I dislike the color scheme, but I feel like a home match against your biggest rival should always feature your home kit.
Vamos Atlant!
WE OUT HERE! Lineups as expected on Atlanta’s side, while Orlando miss out on their no. 10, Facundo Torres, who starts on the bench. Striker Duncan McGuire will still be dangerous as always, and you can never count out Nico Lodiero in midfield. Tired legs may start to show later, but watch out for that Torres sub whenever Orlando feel they need a boost.
I think Orlando starting McGuire and Muriel in the same match is a first for them. I’m curious to see if they’ll go with a 2 forward system or play Muriel on the wing. Also Thorhallsson starting at MF for Orlando is a first for this year I think. He mostly plays wingback for them.
OFYO