Rumble in the East: Orlando City Continues Weekend Road Trip Against Atlanta United
ORLANDO, Fl. (FNN) — Atlanta United plays host to Orlando City this weekend at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The longtime rivalry between these two clubs needs no introduction. Apart from the Tampa Bay Rowdies, Orlando City’s feud with Atlanta is one of the most heated in all of American soccer, and that has little to do with the time of year. Historically speaking, Atlanta United has been the victor of this matchup, winning eight of their 16 total official competitions against each other. This time around Orlando City looks to complicate things this weekend with its recent resurgence in attack and creativity.
Few and Far Between
At the moment Orlando City sits six points above their conference rival, with Atlanta United stumbling into 10th place so far this year. Atlanta has had its work cut out for them this year with the arrival of a plethora of new faces and staff. Since the departure of Tata Martino to the Mexican National Team in 2019, Atlanta has struggled with finding its identity. This season, however, Atlanta United bolstered their attack around Josef Martinez heavily.
The addition of Thiago Almada as an attacking midfielder was one of the biggest transfers of the Summer. The 21-year-old Argentine is one of the brightest talents to come out of the league in the last decade. Despite his slow start on the stat sheet this year, he continues to be a force. Pairing alongside Brooks Lennon for the most attacking assists this season for his team. Atlanta also signed Dom Dwyer and Ronaldo Cisneros on loan from Guadalajara to add to their ranks.
The gulf in class within the current Eastern Conference standings between these two teams doesn’t tell the full story. Atlanta may or may not be in a season-long slump, but that doesn’t mean they are incapable of winning at home. Orlando City must improve their synergy at the back if they hope to keep Cisneros off his red-hot form. Antonio Carlos’ resurgence in the starting lineup will definitely help, but it hasn’t paid dividends just yet.
The catalyst for away game success on Orlando City’s terms will be determined by its offense. With Ruan in solid form, the Lions have shown they are capable of counter-attacking football given their pace. Jake Mulraney, a recent Orlando signing via Atlanta, has also added to the sho-tmaking success of Orlando as of late. The Irishman brings a welcome addition as a capable left-footed crosser who can deliver accurate balls into the box.
This welcome change has opened up the scoring ability of Facundo Torres quite a bit. In recent games, Torres continues to find success bringing the ball into centerfield via the right side of the box. Torres’ ability as another natural left-footed player has opened a new dynamic to Orlando City’s attack. The Uruguayan winger’s latest goal against Colorado Rapids makes his fourth goal in all competitions for Orlando City with four assists to boast.
Regardless of the outcome, the stringent July schedule does not stop here for Orlando City. They face a new-look Arsenal FC in a friendly at Camping World Stadium on July 20. Shortly after, they will return to MLS regular season action at home against Philadelphia Union on July 23.