The 5-Stripes hit the road once again this Saturday night, heading south to face Orlando City SC at Inter&Co Stadium in a matchup filled with both history and high stakes. The Southeastern rivalry has had no shortage of fireworks, and this weekend offers Atlanta United a chance at revenge after being eliminated by Orlando in the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Atlanta is still in search of its first road win of the season and currently sits 12th in the Eastern Conference, while Orlando holds seventh place after a string of three consecutive 0-0 draws. It’s a crucial test for a 5-Stripes side looking to build momentum ahead of a busy May.
Here are your Home Depot Tools to the Match:
Find Chemistry and Be Clinical in the Final Third
Atlanta has not been short on chances, but finishing them has been the issue. In their last four games, the 5-Stripes have netted five goals—four of those came in one game against NYCFC. Despite the inconsistency, Atlanta has produced an 8.35 expected goals (xG) tally in that stretch, showing the opportunities are there.
Stat check:
- 123 total shots (Top 10 in MLS)
- 43 shots on target (Tied for 11th)
To kick off May strong, Atlanta must rediscover its rhythm in the final third — and this match is the perfect chance to do it.
Stay Alert Defensively, Especially on Set Pieces
Even after three straight scoreless draws, Orlando’s attack is no joke. Martín Ojeda and Marco Pašalić lead the Lions with four goals apiece, and Luis Muriel (3 goals, 3 assists) adds danger with experience and flair.
What makes Orlando especially dangerous? Set pieces. They’ve scored five goals from set pieces — the most in MLS — including three directly from free kicks.
Atlanta, on the other hand, has been vulnerable defending dead balls, conceding five goals from set pieces, ranking 26th in the league. While only one has come from a free kick, Saturday demands full focus on defending set plays. Letting Orlando find space on restarts could be costly.
Play Together to Grind Out a Result
With forward Giorgos Giakoumakis unavailable due to yellow card accumulation, Jamal Thiaré may be called upon to lead the line. The Senegalese striker put it plainly this week:
“We need everybody. This moment is not easy for us, for the team. But we are staying positive. We are staying together.”
That togetherness will be vital. MLS is built on razor-thin margins, and a single result can flip a season’s narrative. Atlanta needs a complete, unified performance — solid in the back, sharp in the final third, and mentally strong throughout the 90 minutes.
Final Word
The match marks more than just another road test. It’s a shot at redemption, a rivalry renewed, and a real opportunity for Atlanta United to kick-start their campaign. A win in Orlando could be the spark the 5-Stripes have been searching for.
Kickoff: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET
Stadium: Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando
Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Can Atlanta flip the script and claim their first road win of 2025 in enemy territory?
