It was a busy Decision Day in MLS, and all the action did not disappoint for the 17s. Atlanta United traveled to Florida to take on regional rival Orlando City SC with a possible playoff berth on the line. The 5-Stripes put together one of their best starts of the season to get a 2-1 victory over Orlando.
Goals from Saba Lobjanidze and Jamal Thairé sealed the deal for Atlanta. With a little help from some other outcomes, Atlanta United also landed a spot within the top 9 of the Eastern Conference and are playoff bound.
“I feel really proud. There’s a lot of emotion. I feel a lot of joy for the people, the players, the staff, the people at the club that have had a tough year,” said interim head coach Rob Valentino after the match. “I don’t know if this vindicates it, it just shows you can do anything if you keep showing up.”
Both sides had something to play for on Decision Day. Atlanta United had not yet qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs and need a win over Orlando City SC for a chance to qualify. A win plus two of the three following scenarios would clinch a playoff berth for Atlanta. While Orlando City SC had secured a playoff appearance, a top four place isn’t guaranteed. They needed a result to fend off New York City FC to earn home field advantage.
Along with a win, Atlanta United needed the two of the following to happen to make the playoffs:
Atlanta got some help from rival Charlotte FC as they beat D.C United 3-0. CF Montréal beat New York City FC 2-0.
Saba Lobjanidze continued his streak of scoring big goals for Atlanta United. The 5-Stripes took a page out of Orlando’s book by maintaining possession and driving towards the net. Defender Pedro Amador, who has been one of Atlanta’s best players since being acquired back in July, teamed up with Lobjanidze to get the ball into the final third. In just the seventh minute of the match, a quick pass from Amador led to Lobjanidze getting the ball past Orlando goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
