Atlanta United are in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs — but barely — thanks to a 2-1 win over Orlando City FC. Duncan McGuire’s goal in the 90th minute was taken off on a hand ball as Atlanta survived what would have been a heartbreaking draw.
Coupled with a 3-0 Charlotte FC win over D.C. United on the road, and FC Cincinnati’s 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Union, Atlanta clinched the ninth seed in the playoffs. They’ll play at CF Montreal on Tuesday, who defeated New York City FC 2-0.
Atlanta opened the scoring through Saba Lobjanidze in the seventh minute as he ventured toward the box, accepted a one-two pass from Pedro Amador and firing past Orlando’s Pedro Gallese for the 1-0 lead. Lobjanidze upped his regular season total to nine goals on the season.
In the 17th minute, the lead grew to 2-0. A corner found its way to Gallese who knocked it away, but Jamal Thiare was there to put home the rebound for his sixth of the season.
Martin Ojeda, though pulled one back for Orlando in the 42nd, heading in a cross from the left side of the box from Rafael Santos.
Atlanta, though, had a chance to restore their two-goal lead early in the second half as they were granted a penalty, but Alexey Miranchuk’s attempt from the spot was saved by Pedro Gallese.
In the 90th minute, McGuire appeared to make it 2-2. After a VAR check, though, the goal was disallowed, with Atlanta seeing out the win to clinch an improbable playoff berth.
Brad Guzan was stellar, making nine saves. His contributions to this team in 2024 have been immeasurable and are a key reason why they’re headed to the playoffs.
What a ride. Rate the players below, and click here if you’re having trouble viewing the form.
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[…] Atlanta United beat Orlando City 2-1, clinch MLS Cup Playoff spot […]
The starters won this one. RV’s subs were kind of a head scratcher considering it has not served us well at all all year to adjust the formation to be more defensive while in the lead – we do better when in control and not trying to park the bus. Plus Orlando basically loaded the field with attackers as soon as we shifted defensively with the subs – we invited the extra pressure. I’m also of the opinion Dax needs to see no more minutes before retirement. Sorry, he’s just been flat out poor with us.
Anyway. Live to fight. And I’m not exactly mad that it’s from 9th, since we seem to only win games away from the Benz these days lol. Maybe we can use that to our advantage.
I was thinking the same thing about getting results away. Odd year for us when it comes to the home / away performance discrepancy.