Sports

Orlando City drops final home game to Atlanta 2-1, but secures #4 playoff spot

Orlando, FL– Orlando City SC lost to Atlanta United 2-1 in front of a sellout crowd at Inter & Co. Stadium on Saturday night.

Facundo Torres on October 19, 2024 at Inter & Co Stadium in Orlando, FL Photo – Mark Thor

The Lions lost the game after a potential game-tying goal by Duncan McGuire was disallowed due to a handball. The ball struck McGuire’s arm, which was at his side at the time.

“I was told that anytime the ball hits your arm or hand and is then sent in, it’s called a handball, no matter where your arm is,” said McGuire. “That’s all I have to say about it.”

Orlando started the game aggressively, pushing the ball into Atlanta’s side and looking for gaps in their defense.

Atlanta pulled back their defense, allowing the Lions to attack but challenged every ball that came their way.

In the seventh minute, Saba Lobjanidze opened the scoring by slipping a ball past Orlando keeper Pedro Gallese, giving Atlanta a 1-0 lead.

Atlanta followed up in the 16th minute with a line drive into the box. The ball struck Gallese, rebounded off Matins, and fell to Thiaré, who slotted it in to make it 2-0 in favor of Atlanta.

Pedro Gallese reacts after Atlanta United scores a goal on October 19, 2024 at Inter & Co Stadium in Orlando, FL Photo – Mark Thor

Despite the scoreline, Orlando City continued to battle and dominated the overall match.

Orlando held the advantage in possession (66.5% to 33.5%), total shots (20-7), shots on target (8-2), and shots inside the box (12-5).

In the 42nd minute, Orlando finally broke through. After a cross from Thorhallsson ended up on the opposite side, Rafael Santos sent it back across to the near post, where Ojeda headed it in, putting the Lions on the scoreboard.

Orlando continued to press for the equalizer with numerous opportunities, but Atlanta’s goalkeeper Brad Guzan made it difficult for them to find the back of the net.

In the 89th minute, McGuire found himself in the right place at the right time. A ball bounced off his left arm and fell to his feet in front of the goal. McGuire sent it in for what appeared to be the equalizer, with only stoppage time remaining.

However, after a delay as referee Rubiel Vazquez conferred with the officials, it was announced that the goal would be reviewed by VAR.

Following the review, the goal was disallowed due to the ball striking McGuire’s arm before he scored.

The 18,000 fans in attendance were enraged by the reversal, but the decision was final.

Atlanta escaped Orlando with a 2-1 victory—more than just a win, as a draw would have eliminated the Five Stripes from playoff contention. They needed all three points to secure their spot, and the VAR decision sealed their fate.

Meanwhile, DC United fans will feel the sting of being eliminated from the playoffs, as the VAR call in Orlando played a key role in their exit.

Orlando, however, had already secured the fourth playoff spot before the match concluded, thanks to CF Montreal’s 2-0 win over NYCFC, which clinched Orlando’s place in the playoffs.

The Lions enter the playoffs with high expectations, following a dominant end to the season. Saturday night’s loss marked their first home defeat since June 16. The Lions were on a four-game winning streak and were unbeaten in seven consecutive matches before this game.

Orlando will host Charlotte FC in the opening round of the playoffs. The date and time will be announced at a later date. Vamos Orlando!

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