Atlanta United traveled to Florida looking to turn the tide after two consecutive shutout losses, but instead endured a frustrating night as Orlando City SC claimed a 3-0 victory at Inter&Co Stadium.
Final Score: Orlando City SC 3, Atlanta United 0
How It Happened
Both sides entered Saturday night under pressure to find the back of the net after multiple scoreless matches. Early on, the nerves were clear, with just one shot recorded in the first 25 minutes.
Atlanta generated a few promising sequences through the left side with Saba Lobjanidze and Pedro Amador combining well. Jamal Thiaré, making his first start of the season in place of suspended Emmanuel Latte Lath, had Atlanta’s first shot with a 26th-minute header, while Alexey Miranchuk curled an effort wide minutes later.
The game swung in Orlando’s favor after a VAR review awarded a penalty kick for a foul in the box by Bartosz Slisz. Luis Muriel converted the spot kick, ending Orlando’s 300+ minute scoring drought and giving the hosts a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Despite a few bright moments from Saba, who finished the half with two key passes, Atlanta entered the break having been shut out for a sixth straight half.
Orlando came out aggressive after the interval and quickly doubled their lead. In the 51st minute, Alex Freeman beat Luis Abram 1v1 and finished far post for a 2-0 advantage.
Atlanta’s difficulties clearing their lines led to a third Orlando goal in the 67th minute when Marco Pašalić rifled a long-range strike past a helpless Brad Guzan. The German Designated Player’s fifth goal of the season sealed the night for the home side.
Atlanta head coach Ronny Deila introduced substitutions, including Edwin Mosquera, Matt Edwards, Jay Fortune, and later Luke Brennan — who made his first MLS appearance of 2025 — but the 5-Stripes couldn’t break through. Despite winning the battle in crosses (9-2) and corners (5-3), Atlanta finished the match without recording a shot on goal.
Postgame Quote from Head Coach Ronny Deila:
“We have to accept the situation right now. It’s not a situation we want to be in. At the same time, we are in it. Talking about results now is not the right way to see it. We have to think about our performances, and they are not good enough… It cannot be, I think the bottom is reached in a way. Now, it’s about how we can turn this around. Then we learn more about ourselves and about each other as a group. Then we will come stronger from it. That I’m sure.”
Key Stats
- Shots on Goal: Orlando 6, Atlanta 0
- Crosses: Atlanta 9, Orlando 2
- Corner Kicks: Atlanta 5, Orlando 3
Standout Performer: Noah Cobb
The 19-year-old defender showed grit and resilience in just his second start of the season. With Derrick Williams and Stian Gregersen unavailable due to injury, Cobb partnered with Abram and battled hard against Orlando’s attackers. He went the full 90 minutes, throwing his body around to defend against one of the Eastern Conference’s most dangerous sides.
Milestones
- Noah Cobb made his second start of the season.
- Jamal Thiaré earned his first start of 2025.
- Luke Brennan made his first MLS appearance of the season.
Up Next
Atlanta United returns home next Saturday, May 3, for a much-needed home fixture against Nashville SC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. ET.
