Atlanta United Falls to Orlando City SC 1-0 in Eastern Conference Semifinals

Atlanta United’s season came to an end Sunday night with a hard-fought 1-0 defeat to Orlando City SC at Inter&Co Stadium in the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. Veteran goalkeeper Brad Guzan made his 300th MLS appearance, including playoffs, delivering three crucial saves to keep Atlanta in contention until the final whistle.

First Half: Orlando Strikes First

The match began with Orlando creating early pressure. In the fifth minute, a cross from the left found Dagur Thorhallsson unmarked in the box. His left-footed effort ricocheted off the post, landing at the feet of Ramiro Enrique, whose follow-up attempt was heroically cleared off the line by Saba Lobjanidze.

The Lions broke the deadlock in the 39th minute. A corner kick led to a chaotic sequence inside the box, where Atlanta failed to clear the danger. Enrique capitalized, poking the ball past Guzan from close range to give Orlando the lead.

Atlanta struggled to gain control, with Orlando commanding 64% of possession in the first half. Interim head coach Rob Valentino was forced to make an early substitution in the 43rd minute after Jamal Thiaré picked up an injury, bringing on forward Daniel Ríos.

Second Half: Atlanta Battles Adversity

Ríos’ stint on the field was cut short when a ball struck him in the face just seconds into the second half. Valentino had to reshuffle, introducing defender Ronald Hernández and moving Lobjanidze into a forward role.

Despite being on the back foot, Atlanta made tactical adjustments, bringing on Xande Silva in the 69th minute and Tristan Muyumba in the 74th after Stian Gregersen exited with an injury. The changes gave Atlanta a spark, but Orlando’s defensive resilience held firm.

Atlanta’s closest chance came in stoppage time. Hernández delivered a pinpoint cross from the right wing, finding Alexey Miranchuk in the box. However, Miranchuk’s header sailed over the crossbar. In the dying moments, Pedro Amador whipped a low cross to Derrick Williams, but his shot was blocked before the referee blew the final whistle.

In the end Orlando’s defensive organization and early goal proved decisive as Atlanta’s playoff run came to a close. Despite the loss, Brad Guzan’s milestone appearance and Saba Lobjanidze’s defensive heroics highlighted the team’s resilience.

The result was undoubtedly disappointing for Atlanta fans, who have passionately rallied around the team all season. From the highs of thrilling wins to overcoming adversity in the playoffs, the Five Stripes showed up when the chips were down. While the season ends sooner than hoped, Atlanta United demonstrated heart and determination, leaving fans hopeful for a stronger return next year.

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