Atlanta United x Orlando City SC

On Saturday, Atlanta United welcomed Orlando City SC, a regional foe, to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Both teams scored within minutes of each other, making it a tense and exciting first half, but Orlando City scored the go-ahead goal early in the second half to upset their rivals 2-1.

Caleb Wiley scored his fourth goal of the year for Atlanta United to open the scoring. A stray ball found its way to the middle, and Miguel Berry kept after it. He took possession, faced the goal, and sent a pass past the Orlando City defense to a sprinting Machop Chol. Chol attempted a first-time shot with his right foot, a slow roller that was stopped just in front of the goal line by a sliding defender for Orlando City. Wiley, though, was positioned perfectly at the far post in the 22nd minute to convert the ensuing rebound and give Atlanta United a 1-0 lead.

Minutes later, Orlando City would respond on a corner kick. On the left flank, the Lions were awarded a free kick. Mauricio Pereyra, captain of Orlando City, took the free kick and swung it towards the penalty area. Defensive back Antônio Carlos tied the game in the 25th minute with a header that sailed high and wide past a leaping Brad Guzan.

In the 60th minute, the visitors took the lead for the first time and scored the game-winning goal. Atlanta United's defense was caught off guard as Duncan McGuire made a run. From the middle of the box, Orlando City's attacker buried a shot on the turn with his right foot after receiving a through pass from Pereyra.

Thiago Almada's late-game effort almost shattered the roof of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The midfielder drew a foul in added time, giving his team a straight free kick from roughly 30 yards away. Almada, one of the league's greatest free kick takers, placed another well-hit effort on the frame from that distance. Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese of Orlando City made a diving save on an attempt by Almada, allowing the visitors to escape with their 1-2 win.

[Photography by Rachel Pearce]