Atlanta United Prepares for High-Stakes Playoff Clash with Orlando City SC

November 20, 2024
Atlanta United Prepares for High-Stakes Playoff Clash with Orlando City SC
  • Atlanta United is gearing up for a crucial playoff match against Orlando City SC on November 24, 2024, following their surprising victory over Inter Miami in the Audi 2024 MLS Playoffs.

  • This upcoming match marks their first playoff encounter despite having faced each other 21 times during the regular MLS season.

  • In their competitive history, Atlanta United has won 10 of those 21 matchups, including a significant 2-1 victory on October 19 that secured their playoff spot.

  • The recent international break provided Atlanta United with an additional week to prepare, although it also created a mix of fitness and recovery needs, as seven players were called up for national duty.

  • Defender Stian Gregersen and veteran Dax McCarty spoke to the media about the team's preparation and the importance of maintaining high training intensity during this break.

  • Gregersen noted a noticeable increase in confidence and energy among the players, which has been pivotal to their recent successes.

  • Goalkeeper Brad Guzan highlighted the team's resilience in their playoff victory against Inter Miami, showcasing their ability to overcome challenges.

  • Orlando City SC, the higher seed, will host the match after finishing the regular season with a record of 15 wins, 12 losses, and 7 draws.

  • McCarty emphasized the need for Atlanta to stay compact and sharp to counter Orlando's possession-based style of play.

  • The winner of this semifinal match will advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, a stage Atlanta United has not reached since 2019.

  • Kickoff for the match is scheduled for 3:30 PM at Inter&Co Stadium, and fans can watch via the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

  • If the match ends in a tie after regulation, two 15-minute extra time periods will be played to determine the winner.

Summary based on 3 sources


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