Three-match losing runs put Atlanta’s six-point gap to Orlando under pressure

Atlanta United FC and Orlando City SC arrive with three-match losing runs, making today’s 23:30 UTC meeting at Mercedes-Benz Stadium a chance to halt a slide. Atlanta sit 14th in the Eastern Conference on 22 points, while eighth-placed Orlando have 28 from 23 games.

What's at stake

Orlando’s six-point advantage can change sharply in Regular Season Round 24. An Atlanta win would reduce the gap to three points, while an Orlando victory would stretch it to nine; a draw would leave the separation unchanged. Both clubs are already well behind Nashville SC, whose 53 points give Atlanta a 31-point deficit and Orlando a 25-point deficit.

The numbers

Atlanta’s home record is 4W 1D 6L, with 15 goals scored, 18 conceded and one clean sheet. Orlando’s away return is weaker at 2W 2D 7L, with 18 goals scored, 37 conceded and one clean sheet. Across the season, Atlanta have scored 27 and conceded 40, while Orlando have scored 38 and conceded 54. Both teams have lost their last three matches according to the listed form.

One to watch

M. Ojeda is the clearest attacking reference among the two squads, with 11 goals in 17 appearances for Orlando City SC. His scoring record stands out against an Orlando side that has produced 38 goals overall, although B. Ojeda is unavailable with a foot injury. Orlando will also be without A. Marin, listed with a thigh injury, and N. Miller, who is inactive.

Why it matters

Atlanta’s available options may be affected by Giuliano Galoppo’s inactive status, while A. Fortune and C. Sanchez are questionable. For Orlando, the result could provide movement away from 14th place or create further distance from Atlanta, with both sides trying to turn a three-game losing run into a points-producing result today.