Atlanta United defender Caleb Wiley #26 heads the ball during the match against Orlando City at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on Saturday July 15, 2023. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta United)

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Atlanta United fall to Orlando SC 2-1

By Chicks Into Sports / July 16, 2023

Atlanta United returned to action Saturday in front of a crowd of 43,576 to host Orlando City SC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The matchup was  the second meeting between the teams in 2023 as the teams played to a 1-1 draw in Orlando on May 27.

Ahead of the match Atlanta held a 8-3-7 all-time record against Orlando in MLS regular season play: 3-1-4 at home and 5-2-3 on the road. Orlando entered Matchday 24 in seventh place in the Eastern Conference, one point behind Atlanta.  

 

Recap

Both teams created chances and opportunities through the opening 20 minutes. The first goal of the night was scored by Caleb Wiley, making it his fourth goal of the season.

The visitors refused to give up, minutes later Orlando City responded quickly with a goal by Antonio Carlos to even the score.

 

At the half the score remained tied 1-1.

The remainder of the second half played out even with neither team creating a big chance until Duncan McGuire found the back of the net to put Orlando ahead 2-1.

Atlanta brought in substitutions in the 70th minute in Giorgos Giakoumakis and Edwin Mosquera. The team produced a series of encouraging attacks, but was never able to capitalize. In the final minute of stoppage time, Atlanta ultimately came up short in pursuit of an equalizer. Atlanta Thiago Almada earned a free kick nearly 30 yards from goal but goalkeeper Pedro Gallese was able to come up with an acrobatic save to preserve the win and crack Atlanta’s five match home unbeaten streak.

“Credit to Orlando. I want to give them credit. They did a good job. I think it was an even game. We for moments when we had the ball were dangerous. When they had the ball, they were dangerous. Little details for me were the difference.” said Atlanta United head coach Gonzalo Pineda post game.

Up next: Atlanta United (9-7-8, 35 points) returns to action in the first group stage match of Leagues Cup when it travels to face Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on Tuesday, July 25 (7:30 p.m. EDT,) MLS will be on hiatus for the duration of Leagues Cup and Atlanta will return to MLS Regular Season play Sunday, Aug. 20 vs. Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field.

 

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