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Two seasons of results
That’ll do it for another season of Atlanta/Orlando matches. The Five Stripes win again thanks to another Josef Martinez game-winner. That makes Atlanta unbeaten against their “rivals” since joining the league.
A New King Arises
We thought it would come and it has. No. 28 has hit the net and Josef Martinez has set the MLS single-season record for goals. And what a goal it was:
The new scoring .
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 25, 2018
Josef Martínez of @ATLUTD. #ORLvATL // Heineken #RivalryWeek https://t.co/p6W4FjVcT5
Sutter strikes back
Orlando City come back and find an equalizer before halftime through Scott Sutter. A laser beam from outside of the box left Brad Guzan helpless.
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 25, 2018
What a hit. 1-1! #ORLvATL // Heineken #RivalryWeek https://t.co/o6QbwokeB8
Daddy Goal!
Atlanta United have taken a first half lead over Orlando City and it’s none other than new daddy Leandro Gonzalez Pirez who gets on the scoresheet. Just days after his wife gave birth to their first child, LGP has bundled a bit of joy into Orlando’s net off a Joe Bendik mistake.
Leandro González Pírez bundles it home from close range to give #ATLUTD the 1-0 lead away to #OCSC. Bad mistake by Joe Bendik, spilling Barco's free kick delivery right to the feet of LGP.#ORLvATL #MLS pic.twitter.com/w7NUIcMXJo
— Jason Foster (@JogaBonito_USA) August 25, 2018
Pre-game
Another edition of Orlando City vs. Atlanta United is upon us. While both teams have their own reasons to want to win, all eyes will be on this match for one reason and one reason only. The stage is set for Josef Martinez to etch his name into the MLS history books.
Atlanta United’s Golden Boot and MVP front-runner is one goal away from breaking the single-season MLS record for goals. Sitting at 27 with nine matches remaining, the record seems to be a forgone conclusion, so it’s only appropriate that it come against Orlando. In just three appearances against the Lions in his career, Josef has notched five goals.
While the majority of attention will be focused on history, Atlanta United will be looking to take care of business against a team they should beat and extend their leads in the Supporters’ Shield and CCL Spot races. Orlando City is having another rough season with just 23 points in 24 matches played, the joint worst points total in the East. However, this is still an MLS match away from home. The Five Stripes would be wise not to take the three points for granted.
Note: We’re trying something new with our match threads this year. We’ll be updating the post with updates of goals and big moments as they happen. Check back every so often during the match for highlights and commentary.
Atlanta United’s Lineup:
#ATLUTD’s Starting XI against @OrlandoCitySC pic.twitter.com/vCjRx7qUIP
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) August 24, 2018
Orlando City’s Lineup:
Orlando City XI: Bendik; Sutter, Spector (c), O’Neill, PC; Rosell, Ascues, Mueller, Johnson, Colman; Dwyer.
— Mike Gramajo (@byMikeGramajo) August 24, 2018
Bench: Edwards; Tarek, Rocha, Powers, Da Silva, Villarreal, Pinho. #ORLvATL.
How to Watch
Venue: Orlando City Stadium
Advertised Kickoff Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Available TV: ESPN, ESPN Deportes
Available Streaming: WATCHESPN
Available Radio: 92.9 The Game (English), AT&T Countdown to Kickoff (FB Live/Periscope), La Mejor 1600 AM (Spanish)
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