Orlando City Overcome Adversity in Massive Comeback Win Over Atlanta United

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – Orlando City came from behind to beat conference rivals Atlanta United 3-2 at Exploria Stadium. The Lions have now gone six games in a row unbeaten to their regional adversaries. With this loss, Atlanta United have gone two months without a win as they have failed to secure three points in the MLS since May 15. Orlando City fought well to come back from a mounting deficit in a win that showed grit, poise and unity from the Starting XI.

Shot in the Arm

Orlando City vs. Atlanta United is always a fixture that brings awkward results no matter which side is home or away. In this encounter, the anxiety of rivalry football got the better of Orlando early on. Atlanta United countered an early attempt from Orlando that let Brooks Lennon find Josef Martinez in open space.

The Venezuelan striker wasted no time poaching the attempt. Mason Stajduhar had no chance to deflect as Josef’s shot bounced off the post and in. Josef Martinez has become a renowned villain for Orlando fans. This goal marked his 8th goal in eight encounters versus the Purple Lions. His 47-second strike also broke a record as the fastest goal in Atlanta United history.

Despite the early shot in the arm, Orlando did well to stay in the game. Just minutes later, Ruan barely missed Benji Michel in the box in what would have been a sure-fire equalizer. The knocking continued throughout the next 25 minutes as Orlando landed five shots on target, forcing Alec Kann to stay alert.

Eventually, the persistence started to pay off in the lead-up to a corner kick just at the end of the half. Kyle Smith found the perfect angle to head home a bouncing ball that left Kann with no chance to react.

Tying up the scoreline meant little in terms of stability for Orlando. Their failure to close out space in the final third became an issue in the second half. Atlanta’s Marcelino Moreno was left with space and slotted home a picture perfect strike from outside the box in the 66th minute.

Start Wearing Purple

However, the fighting spirit at home shone through for Orlando as they kept competitive with a slew of tactical substitutions. Tesho Akindele and Sylvester van der Water both came onto the field and made an immediate impact. After some impressive build-up play, Benji Michel assisted a sumptuous cross to van der Water and the Dutch international found Orlando’s second goal.

Atlanta United reacted to the equalizer with safe substitutions as they opted to take out Josef Martinez and Erik Lopez for defensive alternatives. This move would ultimately be their undoing as Orlando City had no inclination to wind down in the closing minutes. The lethal left foot of Sylvester van der Water made its mark again as he sifted in a perfect cross to Nani amongst defenders. Nani’s header marked the third headed goal for Orlando on the night.

Regardless of opponent, this was a must win game for Orlando after their shellacking in New York.

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Nicolas Vera is a sports reporter for Florida National News, part of the FNN News Network. | sports@floridanationalnews.com