As I start typing this, Atlanta United is up 1-0 over Orlando City here at Inter & Co. Stadium on Decision Day.
…wait…
…make that 2-0. On a day where the Five Stripes couldn’t settle for anything less than a win, they came out swinging. It got SUPER FRANTIC FROM THERE but it was nice to down two goals early – something Atlanta United hasn’t done all season. AND THE FIVE STRIPES ARE PLAYOFF BOUND!
What a night, here are the final whistle thoughts from down in Orlando!
Fight
For the past two weeks, Atlanta has had to focus on one simple goal: win on Decision Day. Whatever type of motivation they needed to draw to keep up the momentum from the win against Red Bulls was crucial, and the opening 20 minutes of this game was the most explosive the team has been from the opening whistle. 2024 Atlanta United has been slow to build up speed, if they ever build any up at all, but they entered the pitch on Decision Day with a purpose.
Let’s face it, not making the playoffs was always a possibility. That’s what happens when the season consists of missed opportunities and blown leads. But don’t give Orlando the satisfaction of saying they “knocked Atlanta out of the playoffs.” Tonight was a perfect example of taking care of the business that lies in front of you…and being petty enough to keep Orlando from getting home field advantage. But man, my blood pressure.
Chances
On a night where it looked like Atlanta United was going to be well above average in their efficiency in front of goal, that early second half PK miss was a tough pill to swallow. Even more so when shortly thereafter, the other results fell in a way that put the Five Stripes into the playoffs. The amount of pins and needles for Atlanta fans throughout the second half was admittedly quite painful, but such is the cost of the season Atlanta has endured.
Atlanta’s ability to strike on counters was also frustrated at times, with many decent chances ending in a whimper. Players just weren’t on the same page with their movements in those transitions, and it halted much of Atlanta’s ability to get a (second) insurance goal.
Defending
From the end of the first half, this game descended into Atlanta defending for their life. As such, it was incredibly confusing to see Stian Gregersen get subbed off for Luis Abram, and it’s one of those questions that hopefully we can get some insight to after the match. Either way, the defending was frantic and worrisome, compounded by what was at stake. Brad had a handful of moments where he was giving someone the business for missing a mark or some other defensive mishap, and they went through a spell where it felt as if they simply couldn’t play out of their own half. And then….
VAR
VAR! Defender of the match.
Let us know below what you thought of the match…and Decision Day as a whole!
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So, one question: why is it that when we need to hold the ball, we make compromising passes that create a turnover? It’s happened hundreds of times this season.
Tbf, that happens pretty much all the time. It just hits harder when we’re trying to see out a game. :-/
[…] The First Reaction: Atlanta United at Orlando City […]
Just realized that we would play Miami if we got by Montreal. And we know that they are a beatable team.
We have certainly given Miami fits this year. Getting to them is the challenge. 0-2 versus Montreal this year. And those were 2 really poor performances for us. Hopefully, we held back our better performance for the playoffs.
Mark my words: We are winning MLS Cup (I’m only joking)
But what if it happened though