1 - And So It Begins
This is the first of two consecutive meetings between Orlando City and Atlanta United. The two teams will play again next Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium. It is the first time Orlando City will play the same opponent in consecutive MLS matches.
The heat was turned up on this nascent rivalry Tuesday when United put up a billboard near downtown Orlando reading, “Orlando, we’re coming to conquer.”
Lions head coach Jason Kreis said, “I’m one that believes that rivalries are intrinsic, meaning that they happen through experiences. So I would say that it would be premature to be talking about whether or not they’re our rival. We shall see starting with the first 15 minutes of the match on Friday night and we’ll go from there to decide if they’re our rivals or not.”
2 - Up The Road
Atlanta United is Orlando City’s closest geographic MLS rival. Just over six hours and 440 miles separate Orlando City Stadium from Bobby Dodd. Before Atlanta’s arrival to MLS, the Lions’ shortest road trip was to D.C. United in RFK Stadium, a short 851 miles from Orlando City Stadium. MAPFRE Stadium and BBVA Compass Stadium are 951 and 961 miles away, respectively.
3 - TGIF
Orlando City is 5-2-4 all-time on Fridays. The Lions won their most recent end-of-the-workweek match at Real Salt Lake at the end of June and are unbeaten in their last three Friday matches dating back to May 2016. Atlanta, meanwhile, is 0-0-1 in its only Friday match, a 0-0 draw at Seattle on March 31.
4 - Welcome Back
Atlanta United’s roster and technical staff have several connections to Orlando City. Mid elder Harrison Heath was acquired via trade on Dec. 11, 2016, and is now on loan with Sacramento Republic in the USL. Mikey Ambrose was selected with the seventh pick in the 2016 MLS Expansion Draft after becoming one of the first two players signed from OCB to the First Team
in August 2016. Atlanta acquired Bryan Róchez via trade on March 17. Forward Romario Williams played for the Orlando City U-23s in the PDL in 2014 and three seasons at UCF. Director of Soccer Operations Paul McDonough is also with Atlanta after serving as Orlando City’s Senior VP of Soccer Operations in its inaugural MLS season.
5 - This Week In History
On this week in 2016, Orlando City hired Jason Kreis as the second head coach in Club history. Kreis brought with him assistant coaches Miles Joseph and C.J. Brown, who worked with Kreis at Real Salt Lake and New York City FC. Under Kreis, the Lions are 13-8-13.
On this week in 2015, Orlando City acquired mid elder Servando Carrasco from Sporting KC in exchange for Amobi Okugo. Carrasco has made 54 appearances and scored one goal and two assists.
6 - Three For Three
Orlando City captain Kaká was named to his third MLS All-Star Fan XI in three years. Kaká captained the All-Stars in 2015, scoring a goal and the game-winning assist in defeating Tottenham Hotspur and earning MLS All-Star MVP honors. Kaká wore the captain’s armband again in 2016, playing the first half against Arsenal.
Atlanta United has two Fan XI selections in Miguel Almirón and Greg Garza. Almirón has eight goals and eight assists this season, both good for second on the team. Atlanta defender Michael Parkhurst is also an All-Star.
