Atlanta United returns to action Friday night against Eastern Conference opponent Orlando City for the first meeting between the two clubs. Atlanta is making its first visit to Orlando City Stadium and the two teams will play again next Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Atlanta is currently fourth in the Eastern Conference, one point above Orlando. The match is scheduled to kick-off at 7:00 p.m. EST and will be televised nationally on ESPN.
Atlanta is coming off a 4-2 win over San Jose Earthquakes on July 4 at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Tommy Thompson put the visitors up early with a goal in the 2nd minute, however, the game took a turn when Kofi Sarkodie was sent off in the 32nd minute. Carlos Carmona equalized for Atlanta in the 55th minute, and a Josef Martinez header briefly gave Atlanta the lead until Chris Wondolowski answered a minute later. Anton Walkes headed home the game-winner in the 81st minute and Martinez added the dagger in the 89th to give Atlanta its fifth-straight home win.
Orlando City fell 3-1 to Toronto FC at Orlando City Stadium on July 5. Sebastian Giovinco set up Jozy Altidore’s opening goal in the 18th minute and Altidore returned the favor in the 46th minute, laying the ball off to the Italian who calmly lifted the ball over goalkeeper Joe Bendik. Orlando substitute Carlos Rivas finished a well-timed run in the box by beating Alex Bono at the far post to make it 2-1, but Giovinco answered with a free kick to seal the three points.
MATCH INFORMATION
Friday, July 21 | Orlando City Stadium, Orlando, Florida| 7:00 p.m. (EST)
Atlanta United (9-7-3, 30 points) vs. Orlando City (8-7-5, 29 points)
TV: ESPN
Talent: Adrian Healey (play-by-play), Taylor Twellman (analyst) and Julie Stewart Binks (sideline reporter)
English Radio: 92.9 The Game
Talent: Adam Schick (play-by-play) and Jason Longshore (commentator)
Spanish Radio: La Mejor 1600 AM
Talent: Armando Carillo (play-by-play) and Daniel Cantu (commentator)