After almost two weeks off due to the October international window, Atlanta United will travel to face Orlando City SC on October 19 with a postseason berth on the line. Their last MLS match was a 2-1 victory against New York Red Bulls on October 5 to keep them in the hunt to make the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
The club was hard at work at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground preparing for the last regular season match of the 2024 season. Afterwards defender Stian Gregersen and homegrown Jay Fortune spoke to local media about the matchup against Orlando and the team keeping their focus on the outcome they can control.
Playoff Picture
The win against NYRB not only kept Atlanta United from being mathematically eliminated from making the playoffs, but also got them within striking distance. Much on October 5, the 5-Stripes are going to need favorable outcomes from other matches on October 19 to land a spot.
- Atlanta United current conference standing: 12th (with 37 points)
- Points below the playoff line: Three below CF Montréal in 9th (with 40 points)
How have the training session gone?
The club has been intensifying their training sessions in preparation for a crucial upcoming game. Defender Stian Gregersen said that though the group tries to put equal importance in every match, they are aware of the make-or-break status of the match against Orlando. There is also an emphasize the importance of focusing on their own performance rather than external factors like other games.
For Atlanta, the key is maintaining the forward momentum picked up in their win against New York Red Bulls. The team in the past has dealt with the season being broken up due to league wide international breaks.
“I think it's a little bit sad that we had the break because we were so good into this match and but of course, we have to look back at it and keep up,” said Gregersen. “Keep continue with the confidence we had after this game, and keep continue this this weekend, in the training.”
What is waiting for Atlanta United at Inter&Co Stadium?
The last time these two teams matched was back on March 17 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The 5-Stripes walked away with a 2-0 victory with goals from Giorgos Giakoumakis and Saba Lobjanidze. The two clubs are very familiar with each other with 21 games played; Atlanta has a record of 10-4-7 against Orlando.
Despite having essentially the same roster, the 5-Stripes will be facing a different team mentality wise on Saturday. Orlando has won 5 out of their last 6 MLS matches. Homegrown and midfielder Jay Fortune says that the key to the matchup will be capitalizing on transition moments, finishing opportunities, and strong defensive efforts.
Orlando, like many other clubs, like to dominate in possession numbers. Over the past few games, namely against opponents like the Philadelphia Union and New York Red Bulls, Atlanta has been able to get chances while having the ball less.
"Orlando has a lot of talented players, and a few times this season, we've been the team that has had the ball less than other teams, and we've still been able to look dangerous in those games, in terms of when we when we're smart with how we defend," said Fortune.
Fortune also acknowledged that while the 5-Stripes will be taking the positives from their match against NYRB, they know that each opponent they play requires their own preparation.
"They require different preparation. And I think if we can carry on the same mentality from Red Bulls, I think that will be key for us, while adding on the proper preparation tactically and all that stuff," said Fortune. "So, I think it's really important for us to just take deposits from it, but not try and go on that game too much as we have another focused part of it."
Fans can tune in on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV on Saturday night at 6:00 pm ET when the action kicks off at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida. To hear the action on radio, tune into Sports Radio 92.9 The Game (English) or La Mejor – AM 1600 (Spanish).
