MARIETTA, Ga. (April 24, 2025) — Soccer tennis, flicks over the head, juggling under pressure — Thursday’s training session at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground looked more like a backyard competition than a tactical run-through. But make no mistake, the playful vibe had a serious purpose: build sharpness, preserve freshness, and ignite competitive spirit before Saturday’s nationally televised showdown with Orlando City SC.
With a 7:15 p.m. ET kickoff at Inter&Co Stadium on the horizon, Ronny Deila’s squad is hungry to end their goalless drought and snap back into playoff relevance — and they’ll have to do it short-handed.
🔥 “We need to see fire” – Deila’s message to the squad
As juggling drills and small-sided challenges lit up the field Thursday, Ronny Deila emphasized a different kind of intensity: mental sharpness and inner fire.
“We need to see it there, that we are developing and that we are building that culture we want to have,” Deila said post-training. “I see that people really want that.”
That fire will be crucial heading into a rivalry match with high stakes and long memories — particularly after Orlando knocked Atlanta out of last year’s Eastern Conference Semifinal.
⚔️ No Latte Lath? It’s Thiaré Time
The 5-Stripes will be without Emmanuel Latte Lath, suspended for yellow card accumulation. In his place, expect Jamal Thiaré to lead the line. He’s no stranger to the Lions — and no stranger to the score sheet against them. His tireless, physical style impressed in Thursday’s shooting drills, and teammates believe in his ability to rise to the moment.
“We’ve all seen what he brings… his tenacity, determination, and willingness to put his body on the line,” said Brad Guzan. “We’re going to expect no different come Saturday.”
🩹 Injury Woes Force a Deeper Look at Fitness
Atlanta’s roster has taken hits recently. Stian Gregersen and Tristan Muyumba exited the Philadelphia match with injuries, and Derrick Williams remains sidelined. The response? A laser focus on core strength and individualized conditioning.
“If you have weaknesses, you get exercises and treatments to strengthen that up,” Deila said. “We’ve been too general. We need to be more specific about who needs what.”
Brooks Lennon and Alexey Miranchuk skipped Thursday’s on-field work to focus on gym sessions. It’s all part of a larger push to prevent injuries before they happen — and to make smarter decisions about when and how players train.
📊 Similar Production, Different Results
Statistically, Atlanta has every right to feel hard done by. The 5-Stripes are top 10 in MLS in pass accuracy, xG, and shot accuracy — all better than Orlando. Yet it’s Orlando sitting four points ahead in the standings.
Where the Lions have the edge? Clearances — a massive 82 to Atlanta’s 42. That gulf was evident last weekend when Atlanta failed to clear multiple times before conceding against Philadelphia.
Deila prefers building out of the back to blind clearances, but admits there’s a balance.
“In the end, it’s about: do you score more than the opponent? If not, then you look deeper… if you’re creating more, then why are you losing?”
🧱 Defense Must Step Up Without Gregersen
Without their Norwegian enforcer at the back, Atlanta will have to be particularly sharp in defense. Pedro Amador could see more minutes, and the midfield may need to collapse faster to help cover gaps.
Guzan, as always, had the final say:
“We have the ball, we turn it over, and within one or two passes they’re inside our 18-yard box. We need to limit those opportunities we’re gifting them.”
🎯 Who Breaks First?
Orlando hasn’t scored in three matches. Atlanta’s open-play drought goes back to Latte Lath’s late winner against NYCFC. Something has to give.
“We understand what it means to our supporters,” Guzan added. “There’s no better place to turn this thing around than Orlando away.”
📺 Match Info: Orlando City SC vs Atlanta United
- 📅 Saturday, April 26
- 🕖 7:15 p.m. ET
- 📍 Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando
- 📺 FOX, FOX Deportes, MLS Season Pass
- 🎧 92.9 The Game
- 📲 Live stats & play-by-play on ATLUTD.com
🍻 Join the 17s at the Watch Party!
- 📍 Brewhouse Café
- 🕕 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. ET
- 🍺 Kickoff at 7:15 p.m.
