Every opponent that Orlando City SC faces in the 2024 playoffs will present one of the toughest games they’ve played. If that sounds too far-fetched, ask Inter Miami CF.
Orlando City SC advanced to the Audi 2024 MLS playoffs semifinals, facing Atlanta United FC. So it’s No. 9 Atlanta is opposing No. 4 Orlando City in the Eastern Conference.
That’s a win for Orlando before even taking the pitch. Right? Before answering, ask No. 1 Inter Miami CF the question. Atlanta knocked them out of the playoffs.
Miami finished the regular season with a whopping 74 points, a record for the most points of any MLS club. Their Goal Differential at 30 is higher than anyone else in the league except for No. 2 Columbus. Miami holds the Supporters’ Shield.
No. 9 Atlanta just barely got into the playoffs. They finished the season with 40 points and a negative-3 Goal Differential. With those regular season numbers, Atlanta United didn’t match up well against Inter Miami.
Yet, the Atlanta United players and coaches didn’t care what their numbers were. The MLS post-season is now. They lost the first match 2-1. Then in the next two, they beat Miami to advance to the conference semi-finals.
The defeat of Miami by Atlanta stunned the league. All on the pitch for Inter Miami played as expected, including including legend Lionel Messi. A loss by Atlanta in Game 2 or Game 3 ended their season.
In the decisive third match, Miami possessed the ball almost 61% of the time and tripled up Atlanta with 27 shots. That means Atlanta keeper Brad Guzan had to make seven saves in the 3-2 win for his team.
Guzan will stay sharp for their match against Orlando. All of his teammates will, also.
However, Orlando City SC also has a sharp goalkeeper in Pedro Gallese. The Lions have a game strategy, as well. It involves focus, knowing which areas of the pitch to work to control, and adjusting their attack and defense on the fly.
All their opponents will play them hard. As they prepare for Orlando City SC, the only thing Atlanta United FC isn’t ready to do is quit.