Atlanta United vs. Orlando City SC – Match Preview

Atlanta United returns to action on Friday, August 24 when it travels to face Orlando City SC at Orlando City Stadium. Atlanta enters the weekend atop the Supporters’ Shield Standings (15-4-6, 51 points) while Orlando sits in 10th place in the Eastern Conference (7-15-2, 23 points). The match is scheduled to kick-off at 8 p.m. EST and will be nationally televised on ESPN as part of Heineken Rivalry Week.

Atlanta is coming off a 3-1 win against Columbus Crew SC on August 19 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Josef Martinez made history with a left-footed finish in the first half as he tied the MLS single-season goals record at 27 with nine games remaining on Atlanta’s schedule. Gyasi Zardes leveled the game at 1-1 five minutes into the second half, however Tito Villalba capped off a brilliant run that began in Atlanta’s own half with a low shot past Zack Steffen for the game-winning goal in the 76th minute. Miguel Almirón sealed the win with a strike in the 82nd minute as Martinez set up his teammate just outside the box.

Orlando City SC had a break from MLS action last weekend. In its most recent match on August 12, Orlando fell 3-2 to D.C. United at Audi Field. Luciano Acosta scored a hat trick, including the stoppage-time winner to hand Orlando its fourth loss in its last five games. Atlanta United has taken both meetings between the two sides in 2018: a 2-1 win at Orlando City Stadium and a 4-0 win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

BROADCAST SCHEDULE

English TV | ESPN

Spanish Radio | La Mejor 1600 AM

English Radio | 92-9 The Game (local)

Pre-match coverage:

7 p.m.: AT&T Countdown to Kickoff (FB Live/Periscope)

7:30 p.m.: The Pre-Game show (92-9 The Game)

MATCH INFORMATION

Friday, Aug. 24 Orlando City Stadium, Orlando, Florida |8 p.m. (EST)

Atlanta United (15-4-6, 51 points) vs. Orlando City SC (7-15-2, 23 points)