There’s that feeling again. It’s familiar. Too familiar.
Things went from bad to worse last weekend when, after losing at home to New England, Atlanta United caved in against the Philadelphia Union (while up a man for about a half hour, I should add) by a score of 3-0. It wasn’t good. Wasn’t even close.
And now… it doesn’t get any easier. The Five Stripes travel south for a second consecutive road trip to face a team that would like nothing more than to add to Atlanta’s recent misery. On top of that, the availbility report grows ever longer with the additions of Stian Gregersen and Tristan Muyumba due to injury and Latte Lath with a yellow card suspension. In all, Atlanta United will be missing three of last weekend’s starters and both first choice center backs as they look for revenge on the team that knocked them out of last year’s MLS Cup Playoffs.
Orlando City are scoreless in their last three matches, all 0-0 draws. That seems like good news for a rotated defense, but Atlanta aren’t far behind, scoring only once. Then take the fact that Orlando weren’t scored on either, while Atlanta United, well… we don’t need to go further.
So, we’re back to nihlism. That didn’t take long. All we can do at this point is hope that this squad can summon up some kind of energy from deep down in order to put things right. Does it take some wild tactical concoction? Or maybe a spark from where we least expect it? Could it just be that Atlanta United needs a bit of luck?
We’ll find out with kickoff from Inter&Co Stadium set for a slightly earlier 7:15 PM ET start, and broadcast nationally on FOX and Fox Deportes. Streaming is provided on Apple TV with a subscription to MLS Season Pass. Radio coverage will be available in English on 92.9 The Game and in Spanish on La Mejor. What’s more, Patreon subscribers have the opportunity to join the Scarves and Spikes watchalong for this match, even better if you need someplace to vent.
For more matchday information, be sure to check out our match preview and predictions, then join us in the match thread below for all the action and group therapy needed as Atlanta meets Orlando.
Atlanta United’s Lineup:
Orlando City’s Lineup:
How to Watch:
Venue: Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, Florida
Kickoff Time: Saturday, April 26th; 7:15 PM ET
Available TV/Streaming: FOX, Fox Deportes, Apple TV (with MLS Season Pass Subscription)
Available Radio: 92.9 The Game, La Mejor 1600/1460/1130 AM
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If this coach is smart..next game start, ll up front, mosquera on the left, miggy in the middle, saba on the right. Fortune, slisz. Back line..Amador, cobb, morales and edwards. And start Cohen or hibbet…leave guzan at his house.
I don’t disagree with that lineup but would keep Guz. He’s not nearly the biggest problem, and last I saw Cohen he was horrrendous.
But I think Delia will keep trotting Miranchuk out at the 10, unfortunately.
Fortune and Edwards move FORWARD with the ball and they play hard defense. Other guys in blue should take note
Other guys in blue should get themselves into passing lanes by actually moving about the pitch instead of standing as close as possible to the nearest defender.
Orlando players were all over the frigging place when advancing the ball.
Only positive from tonight is that Brennan got some playing time 🙂
Miranchuk is looking better combining with combining with Fortune. Almost like they would be a decent pairing.
Only if he’s at the 8. That’s the only position I can see for Miranchuk except the bench.
Yep, exactly
Edwards really needs to start at RB. Already more dangerous down the right with Edwards. Granted it’s 3-0 and they’re sitting back, but still.
I don’t disagree, but remember the beginning of the year and everyone didn’t want to see Edwards ever again?
I’m glad I’m at the Oakland cemetery thing tonight
Finally some dynamic center play with Fortune in
I hate to say it, but as each minute goes by, I grow closer and closer to the Diela Out train. After all of the crap that has happened, he isn’t changing tactics, lineups, or personnel. This ship is sinking and quickly so if we don’t make some changes soon, we will have no chance of recovering.
I’ve been patient, waiting to see what we look like after 9-10 games. We look like shit. No signs of life.
What’s the definition of insanity again?…
Trying to be a loyal supporter of this club
Amazing – Orlando has had a 6 on 5 break and a 4 on 3 break in the last three minutes. No one is getting back.
Fuck this team
We need a coach, a keeper, defense, cdm, cam…all we have is a good striker that is not playing. We are pathetic. Abram, Lennon are useless..no one is getting infront of any one, no one is pressuring no one is challenging …bunch of losers
Keep Saba, Lath, Cobb and the other homegrown, probably Almiron. That’s about it
Yes. I’d also keep Amador, Edwards, and Fortune.
Miranchuk is a waste. I counted three touches this half, and he’s the 10?
Burn. It. Down. Nothing whatsoever to redeem.
Is there a mercy rule ?
We really are wooden spoon contenders aren’t we
Playing like a bunch on ten year olds
Team has given up. This is really bad. Supposed to be the rebirth and instead this is the worst team we’ve ever had.
Why are we passing to either CM, and they can’t turn and progress it forward? Number one thing to fix: get a CM who can actually control the ball and bring it forward through the middle.
At what point is it our scheme? We have had so many different CMs the past few years all do the same thing. And that’s with a world class CAM
When they insist on possession oriented playing from the back, it’s absolutely a requirement to have strong CM metronome. The reason why we sometimes did well with Almada was because he became that CM that received the ball and pushed it forward.
Lol Brad sees everyone else underperforming and said “hold my beer”
Brad should have retired 2 years ago.
Because Saba is the problem.
I think Newcastle is chuckling counting their money .
I am so irritated. I have been a Founding member. Unless something drastic happens on the field, I am seriously considering not renewing. Something I have never considered.
K, I think I’m fully on #deilaOut. I don’t want Rob either though. Give us someone who knows how to actually construct a team. These are basic positioning/mentality things that are not happening at all, and haven’t ever really happened.
I got downvoted for saying this a few weeks ago. The sloppiness and lack of discipline and stamina was evident from the start
Fuck Deila and fuck Garth.
I’m about to cancel my MLS on AppleTV again this is pathetic. Worse than last year.
How in the hell did we beat Miami last year ?
We had a leader (Valentino)
How was that not a foul???
Didn’t seem that different than Orlando’s PK foul
Why is no one making runs? On offense or defense?
Where is Garth to tell us how smart he is and how successful he has been everywhere he has been?
Oh and how we are BACK, baby?
To be fair we did make the semi finals last year after he said that lol
3-4 windows and goal is 4th in the East. Garth’s words. He’s failed/failing. This is unacceptable.
Burn the Blues !
Why is there no one to receive the ball in the space between the back line and the midfield? Miranchuk, or Slisz, or Klich?
Blow it up. Bring up the youngsters and see who will stick. This team doesn’t work, top to bottom.
Why do we never have anyone at the back post, despite all of our crosses going there?
Welp, Abram back to being useless
Ok, Deila, show me something different. I’ve understood that we’ve had some dangerous chances which speak to keeping some things similar (I don’t agree, but I can get it), but we definitely haven’t seen anything this first half.
Not convincing so far.
Typical game so far from AU. A big nothing burger. Just nothing. Toothless in offense. Miranchuk may be the worst signing, value-wise we have ever had.
Oof, those halftime stats were miserable. That was Pineda level numbers.
Now 7 halves in a row with no goals during play (just a pk vs dallas). Maybe we’re going for the record.
It is like watching Pineda ball – sideways and backwards – we haven’t scored in HUnDREDS of minutes
What is Rob V up to these days ?
I’d rather bring in Tata.
The broadcast was spot on with Klich. Playing others into pressure instead of turning out of pressure himself.
Feels to me like a missed opportunity to not give Fortune a shot.
I am so tired of the shitty slow,soft and lack luster bunch of players. #59, #43, slisz are useless. They lack rhythm, hustle and skills…95 % of the passed are negative…we will get no where with these shitty shittys and the fact that the coach cannot bring out any game plan…and keep putting crap players to start..means he is shitty also…we will be a practice squad..as usual
Sigh … and right before halftime
that was such a soft PK call.
Here comes the var. looks like it’s a fair pen to me.
There’s contact but he goes down so easy. Gotta let them play.
Ehhh, on closer look I could see it either way. Not surprised by the call though
What position is Miranchuk even playing? He’s positioned like a second striker. He cannot get on the ball, and they’re supposed to be running the offense through him?
I guess I got downvoted by the one Miranchuk fan on the board? Okay. My question stands. What is he even supposed to be doing out there?
I would have started mosquera at left put muggy in the middle..ans saba on the right..leave #59 on the bench…would have rather edwards instead of lennon
100%.
It’s looking like Delia’s plan is to keep trotting out the same lineup and hope for better results. Not much of a plan.
Saba and Amador doing well together. Miranchuk too slow. Lennon useless for anything other than being open. Klich and Slisz not doing enough to control the center.
You know, the usual.
I am kind of tired seeing the narrative of Miranchuk is too slow. Do we have actually advanced stats that show Miranchuk is clearly slower than every other player on the pitch? It looks like he is clearly capable of out running player when necessary.
I actually meant slow in decision making. He had a chance at the top of the box that should’ve been one timed, but he hesitated. Another time on a breakaway took a bit too long to decide and ended up making a throughball to no one.
On the press he is a bit slow to close down the need. May or may not be speed related.
Oh, one unusual thing, Abram is not completely useless. Not sure I’d say good yet, but he’s not useless.
What and uninteresting…non creative and not attacking players..hence not having a game plan…we suck!!! I think the assumption is this is Orlando’s game to lose.
Interesting to see us slowing things down (esp. Guzan) and the other team wanting to move quickly.
When oh when do we get to retire the damn blue kits ?
You didn’t hear? It’s our new primary kit…..
We seem to wear it more than the Primary Kit.
College football has it right – home team wears their color , visiting team wears a white variation
I agree!!!!
Was trying to decide whether to a wear a jersey or not. Decide to compromise by wearing the jersey gifted to me that looks vaguely Orlando colored, I think from one of the earth day things.
Not happy with the lineup. We have our worst start in franchise history and RD is keeping the same lineup that has failed us time and time again. Insanity is doing the same thing knowing the result. And unfortunately, I think we all know what the result is.
Huh? We have several starters out not playing.. How is this the same line-up?
Same formation, same ideas. Same slow 10 in the middle.
So disappointing. I’ve lost all hope that this works with Miranchuk at 10.
Just the same 10….
I think in order to get the most out of Lennon, we need Saba on RW and Almiron on LW. Almiron and Lennon have not been meshing
I agree with that.
I’ve got the opposite take. I think we would get the most out of Miggy if Lennon wasn’t starting. I’d prefer Edwards or Hernandez at this point.
Looks like we are sticking to the game plan with the line up. Two CB replacements, and a CF replacement – everything else the same.
Another problem “L” incoming.
I think this wont be as painful because I have no hope here. Been excited for every game this year just waiting for us to click and start a run of dominance but philly broke me. Worst Ive ever felt watching a game. We are trash. Not been looking forward to this one, maybe for the first time ever…gonna watch cause Ive seen every game they’ve played and Im stuck. If we eek out a draw I will be surprised but I dont even think a dominant win here would make me a believer again. I guess lets fg!