Orlando City Draws 0-0 with Atlanta United in Regular Season Opener
Orlando City and Atlanta United drew a 0-0 result in Orlando's home opener at Exploria Stadium Saturday, April 17, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Orlando City were tested early and often in their first regular season encounter against regional rivals Atlanta United. A contested first half saw both sides share moments of danger. Gallese made a trio of saves in the first half that kept Orlando City competitive throughout the match. In his regular season debut, Alexandre Pato showed glimpses of speed and brilliance as he darted past Atlanta defenders during a few key buildup plays. Both teams walked away with a point after magical saves and daring deflections that kept both sides in it.
Orlando City vs. Atlanta United Recap
However, those moments were merely smoke signals rather than the fireworks Orlando City fans were looking for to start the season. Tesho Akindele provided excitement for Orlando fans as he cut through a nice back heel pass to Junior Urso. Urso’s attack was eventually stopped by Atlanta’s rolling defense and the frustrations would continue to mount from there. Pato found excellent runs and Nani was able to slot through dangerous passes, but that final touch was always left wanting for Orlando as the first half ended 0-0.
The second half saw a shift of ambitions for Orlando City as they subbed out Akindele for Andres Perea. Within seconds, the injection of legs into the game was noticeable as Perea picked up an early chance on goal. Regardless, Atlanta United remained fortified and poised in defense and traded shots with Orlando at every turn. Kyle Smith deserves plaudits for his excellent performance in this encounter, building momentum from a powerful playoff campaign last season.
Choppy Waters
Frustration turned into confrontation in the 64′ minute. Nani and Ezequiel Barco engaged in a face-to-face dispute after a rough tackle from the Atlanta United player. Five minutes later, Brad Guzan exclaimed at Orlando’s Perea for another rough challenge that happened in the Atlanta goalkeepers box. After a few moments of legitimate danger in the box, Pato’s run against Atlanta was cut short due to injury. In the process of securing a ball in transition, he appeared to roll onto his right leg in dangerous fashion.
With ten minutes left, Silvester van der Water made his debut for OC but the effort was in vain. A hotly contested season opener ended in a stalemate due to staunch defending and missed chances. The game ended in a goalless draw, but it doesn’t mean it lacked on action and drama. Orlando City did well enough to come away with a point, but were left wanting a full three.
When asked about Pato’s condition for injury, Head Coach Oscar Pareja had little to say in terms of updates on health: “When we used him as a number 9, we had the best of him. Using him in front of goal twice. Right now we’re waiting on the doctors word. We don’t have the diagnostic yet.”
Orlando City face Sporting Kansas City on Friday, April 23. Key players like Mauricio Pereyra will be eligible for selection, which will boost attacking chances for Orlando.
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