Atlanta United and Orlando City SC are set to continue their rivalry on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the hosts are hoping for more of the same (3:30 pm ET | Univision, MLS Live on DAZN in Canada).
Atlanta famously have yet to lose to Orlando, holding a 6W-0L-2D record in MLS play. The Five Stripes also eliminated Orlando in last year's U.S. Open Cup semifinal.
Give that track record, interim head coach Stephen Glass is intent on preserving his side's pristine record in this rivalry.
“You don’t want to be in charge of the group that loses for the first time against Orlando," Glass succinctly told reporters via video conference call.
Things aren't quite the same this year, though. Atlanta stumbled at the MLS is Back Tournament, leading to the departure of head coach Frank de Boer, and they're without superstar forward Josef Martinez after his season-ending ACL tear. Orlando, meanwhile, are on the ascent. With Oscar Pareja in charge, the Lions stormed to the MLS is Back Tournament final and are riding momentum.
Glass complimented Orlando's performances this season, citing their attacking talent, midfield balance and front-footed fullbacks (Ruan and Joao Moutinho).
“I think it’ll be a good game against another team, to me, that tries to play the right way," Glass said. "Good players with good guidance. It’s not going to be easy. They can play.”
Pareja has immediately sparked life into Orlando, with winger Chris Mueller coming into his own, Nani providing apt leadership and Mauricio Pereyra pulling the midfield strings. Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan quipped that it's almost uncharted territory for the club.
“The manager has gone in, put his mark on the team and implemented his ideas," Guzan said about Orlando. "You’ve seen some different results than what they’re accustomed to.”
