With two months remaining in the regular season, both Orlando City SC and Atlanta United believe that they are well-suited for a stretch run into the playoffs.
Wednesday’s meeting in Atlanta could play a major part in accomplishing that goal for each side.
Orlando (8-11-4, 28 points) currently sits in the No. 8 spot in the Eastern Conference standings — one point ahead of the Philadelphia Union. The Nos. 8 and 9 seeds will play each other in a single-elimination qualifying match.
Hoping to climb out of the wild-card game, interim head coach Martin Perelman understands how vital a strong showing Wednesday is for his club.
“We know the value it has for us,” Perelman said. “The players have had an amazing effort and have been committed to our season and our club. We will continue pushing, game by game.”
Orlando is coming off a 1-0 victory over San Diego FC, thanks to Antoine Griezmann’s goal in the 28th minute. Martin Ojeda leads the team with 11 goals, while Tyrese Spicer has added six.
The team’s 54 goals allowed are the most in the Eastern Conference and second in the MLS only to woeful Sporting Kansas City, who’ve allowed 58. Orlando goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau, however, is coming off his third clean sheet of the season.
Meanwhile, Atlanta (6-13-4, 22 points) has quietly propelled itself into striking distance of the postseason. The club has gone 3-1-1 across its last five outings and is just five points out of the playoff picture with 11 games left.
Adding reinforcements ahead of the critical stretch, Atlanta signed Swiss forward Breel Embolo for a reported $18 million transfer fee on Aug. 23. The 29-year-old debuted with a game-tying goal on a penalty kick in the 87th minute Saturday to help his new team earn a 2-2 draw against Inter Miami.
The prized newcomer has already made a good impression in Atlanta, but believes he has more responsibility going forward.
“I think it’s my job to help the team get where it belongs,” Embolo said. “I want to achieve something here and help the team to get to the target. That’s the most important thing.”
Alexey Miranchuk’s five goals pace Atlanta, followed by Miguel Almiron’s and Tristan Muyumba’s four apiece.
–Field Level Media
