Orlando City Returns to Exploria Stadium to Battle Neighbors to the North Atlanta United FC
September 13, 2022 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Orlando City SC News Release
ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City SC (12-11-6, 42 points) welcomes Atlanta United (9-12-9, 36 points) to downtown Orlando for a midweek matchup, presented by Arnold Palmer, on Wednesday, Sept. 14. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. ET.
Wednesday’s game will be locally televised on FOX35 PLUS and LionNation TV, and transmitted on 96.9 The Game in English and Acción 97.9 in Spanish.
“We have been preparing the last two days for Atlanta, obviously with the short period of time in between the games,” head coach Oscar Pareja said. “After the emotional game against Sacramento and the emotional game in Philadelphia in which we didn’t have a good night, we are just leaving all of that behind and concentrating on this one game. This is very important for our standing in the league. We have a rival that is obviously a competitor for those positions, just like we are. Important game. We are good and the team is in a good mood. I saw them fresh in the training, so we are optimistic.”
The Lions are coming off a 5-1 defeat to Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia Union. The match served as a quick turnaround for Orlando after winning the U.S. Open Cup Final during the week. Andrés Perea found the back of the net in the match for City, serving as his second goal across all competitions in 2022 and the first in league play, both of which have come against the Union.
Designated Player Facundo Torres leads the Lions in total goal contributions this year, with 10 goals and 11 assists to his credit. City forward Ercan Kara sits tied for the team high in goals with 10, while Mauricio Pereyra trails in assists with 10 of his own.
Atlanta United enter Wednesday after defeating Toronto FC 4-2 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in front of a rowdy home crowd. The Five Stripes were backed by a hat trick from defender Juanjo Purata, who scored all three of his goals via his head. Thiago Almada also hit the back of the net as Atlanta took all three points.
Orlando City is in the midst of a very tight playoff race as it currently sits fifth in the Eastern Conference standings with 42 points. City is just four points above the playoff line and only four points back from hosting a home playoff game. The Lions also hold a few games in hand due to the Open Cup run.
Following Wednesday’s match, the Lions will host Toronto FC on Saturday, Sept. 17. Kickoff for that match is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Tickets are available here or by calling (855) ORL-CITY.
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