Atlanta United drops its second straight game and loses to Orlando City SC disappointingly, 2-1.
After another tough 2-1 loss to New England early this week, the need to win a match is nearly palpable. Orlando came to play, using its speed and spectacular instincts to cause major disruption to Atlanta’s plans early on. Despite their advances, Atlanta doesn’t just lay down. After initially struggling, they break through Orlando’s defensive wall – albeit haphazardly – with a minute 22 Caleb Wiley goal.
However, the celebration doesn’t last long, when Antonio Carlos of Orlando scores the equalizer in minute 25. As the two teams jockey back and forth for dominance, they defend attempts from each other but get physical along the way. As a result, Machop Chol exits the game at minute 31 with a leg injury – a brutal blow that likely stalls anything the team is brewing.
By the time the second half arrives, it’s clear that Orlando is in the driver’s seat, and it’s too little, too late for Atlanta. Orlando’s minute 60 goal is enough to secure the win and leave head coach Gonzalo Pineda frustrated with his team. A significant key to the game should have been defense, but the team’s defense ultimately let it down when it needed it the most.
“We have to move on, regroup, rest for a couple of days, and then come back stronger in League’s Cup and show a better face than the last two games.”
Head Coach, Gonzalo Pineda, Atlanta United FC
Pineda plans to stress three things to his team over the next few days: defense, health, and attention to detail (or what he calls “the little things”). He concedes there is quite a bit at stake for his squad. Midfielder Amar Sejdić echoes Pineda’s sentiments and says, “This is Atlanta United. We want trophies.”
Atlanta takes on Inter Miami CF, in a League’s Cup match, on July 25.
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