Orlando City SC v Atlanta United | Preview

Josef Martínez looks to break the single season goal record that has stood since the inaugural season of MLS. (photo: Jim Stapp)

Preview

Atlanta United head south to meet southern rivals Orlando City SC for the third and final time this season. So far Atlanta has taken care of business with their southern neighbors. Orlando City has yet to beat Atlanta, and has lost the last two by a combined score of 6-1.

Orlando City SC had a break from MLS action last weekend. In its most recent match on August 12, when they fell 3-2 to D.C. United at Audi Field with the heartbreaking stoppage time goal on the sensational individual effort from Wayne Rooney.

Atlanta is riding high from a 3-1 win against Columbus Crew SC on August 19 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Josef Martinez made history with a sublime finish in the first half as he tied the MLS single-season goals record at 27.

Broadcast Details
TV: ESPN
English Radio: 92-9 The Game (local), Sirius XM FC (national)
Spanish Radio: La Mejor 1600 AM

Pre-match coverage:
7 p.m.: AT&T Countdown to Kickoff (FB Live/Periscope)
7:30 p.m.: The Pre-Game show (92-9 The Game)

Atlanta United

Squad Details

Josef Martínez cannot stop scoring goals, he scored again on Sunday and brought his season goal total to 27, tying the long standing MLS record. He looks to break the all-time MLS record, but he is also on track to tie another record scoring at least a goal in his last eight matches, and twelve of his last thirteen matches.

Orlando City SC head coach James O’Connor told reporters before Wednesday’s training session, “I don’t want anybody celebrating any records at our place.”

While everyone may be watching Martínez, the forward has made it clear that winning is more important than individual achievements. This was clearly on display last weekend when he had the chance to break the record, but chose to provide a beautiful assist to Miguel Almirón for the third goal.

• Suspended: None
• Suspended after next caution:Michael Parkhurst
• International duty: None
• Injury Report:
  • Out:
    • Greg Garza (torn labrum right shoulder)
    • Darlington Nagbe (right adductor injury)
    • Sal Zizzo (right knee injury)
    • Mikey Ambrose (right knee surgery)
  • Questionable:
    • none

Projected Starting XI
(4-2-3-1)

• GK: Brad Guzan
• Defenders (4): Franco Escobar, Michael Parkhurst, Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, Chris McCann
• Midfielders (2): Jeff Larentowicz, Eric Remedi
• Midfielders (3): Hector Villalba, Miguel Almíron, Julian Gressel
• Forwards (1): Josef Martínez

Orlando City SC

Squad Details

• Suspended: Yoshi Yotun, Cristian Higuita
• Suspended after next caution: Sacha Kljestan, Dom Dwyer
• International duty: None
• Injury Report:
  • Out:
    • Mason Stajduhar (Localized Ewing Sarcoma)
    • Lamine Sane (quad injury)
    • Jonathan Spector (hamstring injury)
    • RJ Allen (concussion)
  • Questionable:
    • Sacha Kljestan (right ankle injury)
    • Yoshi Yotun (right foot injury)

Projected Starting XI
(5-4-1)

• GK: Joe Bendik
• Defenders (5): Chris Mueller, Scott Sutter, Shane O’Neill, Amro Tarek, Mohamed El-Munir
• Midfielders (4): Will Johnson, Josue Colman, Uri Rosell, Tony Rocha
• Forward (1): Dom Dwyer

Recent Meetings
Atlanta United 4 – Orlando City SC 0 (Jun 30, 2018)
Orlando City SC 1 – Atlanta United 2 (May 13, 2018)