Preview: Atlanta United at Orlando City, Eastern Conference semifinals

Atlanta United did the impossible a few weeks ago. How they knocked Inter Miami out of the playoffs will be discussed for years to come — drawing the attention of the world (literally) as their Cinderella run continues.

And on Sunday, they return to where things started: Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando. It’s where, just over a month ago, Atlanta took a 2-1 lead and came a handball decision away from being forced to watch the postseason proceedings from home. You know the rest: a win over CF Montreal in the Wild Card Round and a loss to Inter Miami in Game One of Round One before taking the next two. Now, they’re two wins away from an MLS Cup final.

I don’t need to tell you the history of Atlanta United vs. Orlando City. Sure, we can all agree that the rivalry was largely manufactured in its early stages, and as Charlotte FC and Nashville FC have started play, those two clubs have more or less emerged as true derby partners for Atlanta. But the history between Atlanta and Orlando is undeniable, with the main narrative going into this one being the fact that they’ve never played each other in the playoffs. They did go up against each other in the 2019 U.S. Open Cup semifinals, though: a 2-0 Atlanta win en route to winning the competition.

Looking Back

The adage says it’s tough to beat a team three times in a season, but we’ll see if Atlanta can do just that against the Lions: they swept the season series between these two teams, including a 2-0 win at home on March 17.

Bear in mind, too, that Orlando didn’t look the most convincing against Charlotte FC in the first round outside of a 2-0 win at home to start the series. They played Charlotte to a 0-0 road draw before falling 3-1 in penalties and needed a Facu Torres stoppage-time goal to force penalties in Game Three before advancing. That’s either going to be massive encouragement for Atlanta or motivation for Orlando to kick things into high gear; Orlando, meanwhile, have never advanced to an Eastern Conference final, so you could say they’re under just a little pressure.

Overall, Atlanta leads the all-time series 11-4-7, but in recent years (2024 notwithstanding), Orlando has begun to tilt the scales in their favor.

Availability Reports

Atlanta United

OUT: Brooks Lennon (shoulder), Edwin Mosquera (knee), Quentin Westberg (concussion protocol)

Orlando City

OUT: Mason Stajduhar (leg)

Atlanta United Predicted Starting XI

Prediction: Orlando City 1-2 Atlanta United

I’ve been wrong about this team all season. I think for at least one more match, they’ll prove people wrong again. Atlanta scores in the first half before conceding, but tacks on a second in the second half and goes on to advance to the Eastern Conference finals.

Image credit: Sam Navarro – Imagn Images