Venue: Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, FL
Kickoff: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET
Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Atlanta United heads back to a familiar battleground Saturday night, looking to script another memorable moment at Inter&Co Stadium. In a venue that has seen both heartbreak and heroics for the 5-Stripes, Atlanta faces Orlando City SC for the first time since last November’s Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs defeat.
While the sting of that playoff elimination lingers, Atlanta will also remember the courageous 2-1 Decision Day victory over Orlando that sealed their postseason ticket last year. With a renewed sense of determination, head coach Ronny Deila’s squad hopes to produce another statement result and reignite their 2025 campaign.
Storylines to Watch
1. Fresh Faces and First Starts
- Jamal Thiaré steps into the spotlight for his first start of the season, replacing Emmanuel Latte Lath (suspension). Thiaré was a consistent contributor in 2024, netting eight goals, with four scored in the state of Florida alone.
- Saba Lobjanidze returns to the starting XI after missing last week’s match against Philadelphia, boosting Atlanta’s attack from the left wing.
2. Breaking the Scoring Drought
Atlanta United has gone two matches without a goal, but Deila remains committed to an attack-minded identity rooted in the club’s early success:
“We have fans that really love that way of playing. We have to just believe in that. We want to go back to those roots.”
Tonight, Deila’s side will look to capitalize on its chances, turning positive buildup play into a full 90-minute, complete performance.
3. Defensive Stability and Opportunities
- Noah Cobb makes just his second start of 2025, pairing alongside Luis Abram at center back, with Derrick Williams and Stian Gregersen sidelined by injury.
- Brooks Lennon continues his push for club history, needing just one more assist to break the franchise’s all-time assist record, currently tied with Julian Gressel (39 assists).
4. Key Return: Edwin Mosquera
After missing time with an ankle injury, Edwin Mosquera is back and available off the bench, offering a burst of pace and creativity if called upon.
Atlanta United Starting XI
- GK: Brad Guzan (C)
- DEF: Brooks Lennon, Noah Cobb, Luis Abram, Pedro Amador
- MID: Bartosz Slisz, Mateusz Klich, Alexey Miranchuk
- FWD: Saba Lobjanidze, Miguel Almirón, Jamal Thiaré
Reserves: Josh Cohen, Luke Brennan, Matt Edwards, Jay Fortune, Ronald Hernández, Efraín Morales, Edwin Mosquera, Will Reilly, Cayman Togashi
Match Notes
- Both teams come into the match on the heels of consecutive scoreless outings.
- Orlando City has played three straight 0-0 draws, showing defensive grit but struggling offensively.
- Atlanta is hunting for its first road win of the season and sits 12th in the East; Orlando sits 7th.
- Set pieces could be a difference-maker: Orlando leads MLS in set-piece goals, while Atlanta has struggled defending them.
Final Thoughts
The stakes are always high when Atlanta United and Orlando City meet, and Saturday night is no different. With playoff memories fresh and momentum desperately needed, Atlanta will aim to channel their history at Inter&Co Stadium into a fresh, season-defining result.
