Atlanta United vs. Orlando City FC

Atlanta Wins Thriller 3-2

Thiare Scores Game Winner

Atlanta Latinos Magazine – “They lost their head.  And we picked up the win.”  That’s how Atlanta’s head coach described the chaotic ending to a thrilling match where Atlanta United came back to defeat Orlando City FC 3-2 on Wednesday night at Mercedes Benz Stadium.

Orlando took an early lead when César Araújo recorded his second goal of the season in the 4’.  Atlanta equalized it 1-1 in the 19’ when Alexey Miranchuk found the back of the net for his second goal of the season.

Orlando would score once more in the first half to take a 2-1 lead.  Ramiro Enrique scored the goal on a 1v1 situation where Atlanta’s defender failed to clear the ball.

A turning point in the match came in the 76’.  Orlando’s Araújo was given a red card for physical play, which caused Orlando to have to play the remainder of the match with a man down situation.

Atlanta capitalized in the 83’.  Bartosz Slisz drilled a shot from outside the box that banged off the post and ended in the back of the net.  The assist was credited to Miranchuk.

With time winding down, Atlanta found a way to win.  Jamal Thiare scored the game winner in the 95’.  Assists were given to both Saba Lobjanidze and Miranchuk.

Atlanta ends its three-game home stand with two consecutive wins but now finds itself facing six straight road matches.  The first of those is this Saturday, May 31, against the New York Red Bulls.

Notes…Orlando’s head coach Oscar Pareja received a red card in the 84’ and had to leave the game…Atlanta led in expected goal 1.99 to .93…Atlanta also led time of possession 58% to 42%…Atlanta’s Brooks Lennon missed his second straight match due to a hamstring injury…Orlando had only two losses out of 15 matches prior to tonight’s result…attendance was announced as 39,275.