Atlanta United vs. Orlando
Atlanta United Falls to Orlando 2-1
Wiley Records Goal
Atlanta Latinos Magazine – Another disappointing performance from Atlanta United. In front of the home crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday night, Atlanta United jumped to the early lead. But that lead lasted less than three minutes, as Orlando City tied the match. That killed Atlanta’s momentum. Orlando then tacked on the winning goal in the second half to secure a 2-1 victory over United.
Atlanta’s goal came in the 22’. Atlanta’s Caleb Wiley notched his fourth goal of the season. Orlando’s defensive back made a tremendous save on a ball that was about to trickle over the goal, but in doing so, didn’t clear it far enough. Wiley was able to pounce on it and quickly guided it into the empty net.
But that lead was short lived. Orlando answered in the 25’. Defender Antonio Carlos put a header in the back of the net. It was his first goal of the season. Mauricio Pereyra was credited with the first of his two assists on the night.
It remained tied through halftime. Then in the 60’, Orlando’s Duncan McGuire got behind the defense and was able to put home the game winner. It was his team leading 8th goal of the season. From there, Orlando’s defense bent but did not break, and it secured the valuable three points.
Atlanta entered the match in 6th place, one point above Orlando in 7th. However, with the victory, Orlando jumped Atlanta in the standings.
Atlanta’s next regular season MLS match is on the road against Seattle on Sunday, August 20th. Atlanta will be playing in Leagues Cup during that break.
Notes… Atlanta’s Marchop Chol started the match but was injured in the 30’ and had to be replaced…in the post-game press conference, Manager Gonzalo Pineda indicated that Chol had injured his foot…Atlanta’s All-Star striker Giorgos Giakoumakis made his return appearance coming off of injury…he played the final 20 minutes plus stoppage time, which Pineda said was the plan entering the match…Atlanta’s Miles Robinson was available for the match but did not play, as he was returning from international duty…attendance was announced as 43,576.
