When Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan reflects on the 5-Stripes’ remarkable Game 3 victory over Inter Miami in the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs, one word keeps coming up: resiliency.
“Our resiliency,” Guzan emphasized. “The character we showed—conceding, going 2-2, and still pushing to score the third goal—was fantastic.”
And resiliency is the perfect way to describe Atlanta United’s story this postseason. Entering Decision Day, the squad had just a 10% chance of clinching a playoff berth. Fast forward a month, and the No. 9 seed is riding high after pulling off the biggest upset in MLS history. Now, they’re just two wins away from an MLS Cup Final appearance.
The journey continues as Atlanta United travels to Inter&Co Stadium for a high-stakes Eastern Conference Semifinal clash against No. 4 seed Orlando City SC on Sunday, Nov. 24. Though the two teams have met 21 times in MLS play, this will be their first-ever playoff meeting, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The teams share a spirited rivalry, with Atlanta holding 10 wins, including six on the road. This season, the 5-Stripes are unbeaten against Orlando, most notably clinching a critical 2-1 win at Inter&Co Stadium on Decision Day to secure their playoff spot.
“It’s always a bizarre, end-to-end game with Orlando,” said interim head coach Rob Valentino. “We’re expecting nothing less this time around.”
Building Momentum Through History
Atlanta’s magical postseason began with a Decision Day triumph over Orlando, followed by a dramatic Wild Card win over CF Montréal in penalties. Then came the biggest upset yet: knocking out top-seeded Inter Miami in the Round One series.
Game 3 in Fort Lauderdale was a masterclass in grit. Jamal Thiaré delivered a first-half brace, Bartosz Slisz scored the game-winner, and Guzan’s nine saves sealed the 3-2 win. The result not only sent Atlanta through but also sent shockwaves through the league.
“We know it’s a good run,” Guzan said. “But there’s still work to do.”
Managing the Break
With the international break separating their Game 3 win and the semifinals, Atlanta has faced the challenge of maintaining momentum. Seven players departed to represent their national teams, and interim coach Valentino has balanced fitness, recovery, and preparation for the next match.
Guzan, who has been the backbone of Atlanta’s defense, continues to defy age and expectations.
“He’s 40 going on 21,” Valentino joked.
Sunday’s match pits two of the league’s best shot-stoppers against each other. Guzan, fresh off a club playoff record of nine saves against Miami, will face Orlando’s Pedro Gallese, who was instrumental in his team’s penalty shootout victory over Charlotte in Round One.
But Guzan hopes the spotlight will shift away from the goalkeepers.
“I hope it’s about our attackers scoring 3, 4, 5 goals,” he said. “As a goalkeeper, it’s our job to save the ball and give the guys a chance to win. That doesn’t change.”
Unlike the previous round, the semifinal is single elimination. If the match is tied after 90 minutes, two 15-minute extra periods will follow, and if necessary, a penalty shootout will decide who advances to the Eastern Conference Final.
For Atlanta United, the formula remains the same: grit, determination, and a belief that they can outlast anyone.
Kickoff is set for 3:30 PM ET on Sunday, Nov. 24, at Inter&Co Stadium. Don’t miss this epic chapter in Atlanta United’s playoff journey.
