In a must-win scenario on Decision Day, Atlanta United delivered a clutch performance, defeating Orlando City SC 2-1 on the road, punching their ticket to the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. The victory catapulted Atlanta from 12th to 9th place in the Eastern Conference, clinching the final playoff spot in dramatic fashion.
The 5-Stripes knew they had to win—and win they did. Goals in the first 16 minutes from Saba Lobjanidze and the relentless play of Atlanta’s backline set the tone. Even more impressively, the win came against one of the hottest teams in the conference, with Orlando having won six of their last seven matches. Atlanta defied the odds, with one expert even giving them less than a one percent chance of victory.
Guzan, Valentino, and Lobjanidze Earn League Honors
In recognition of their incredible efforts, Brad Guzan and interim head coach Rob Valentino were named to the MLS Team of the Matchday, with Lobjanidze making the bench. Valentino, who took over as interim head coach in June, has steered the team through a rollercoaster season, building confidence and belief when many had written Atlanta off.
“It’s been a hard season. But Rob kept fighting, kept plugging away, and we don’t want to be finished now,” said center back Derrick Williams, praising Valentino’s leadership and resilience.
Valentino emphasized the importance of the Orlando match in the build-up: “The mentality is to focus only on the task at hand, which is to win. We’re not focusing on anything else but our game.”
The preparation and belief paid off, as Atlanta United jumped on Orlando early, scoring twice within 16 minutes and holding off the Lions to secure the victory. Wins by Charlotte FC and FC Cincinnati also helped clear Atlanta’s path to the playoffs, but it all came down to the 5-Stripes getting the job done in Orlando.
The Emotional Win and What’s Next
For Valentino, the win was validation of his belief in the team and their ability to rise above challenges. “I feel really proud. There’s a lot of emotion. I feel a lot of joy for the people, the players, the staff. It shows you can do anything if you keep showing up,” he said post-match.
Now, with a playoff spot secured, Atlanta United will face CF Montréal in the Eastern Conference Wild Card Game on October 22. With momentum on their side and the grit they’ve shown, Atlanta’s postseason journey has just begun.
