KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Orlando City defender Kyle Smith is very familiar with Atlanta United.
As one of the longest-tenured players on the Lions squad, he's been there for the ups and downs over the last four seasons when playing the Five Stripes.
He's also been a part of two-thirds of the wins that Orlando has gotten over Atlanta since 2020, and has even scored twice in those matches. In fact, half of his career goals scored in MLS have come against the Five Stripes.
"It's a rivalry, so it's fun," Smith said before training at Orlando Health Training Ground at Osceola Heritage Park on Tuesday. "I think the ball has just given me the opportunity to score and I've taken advantage of it against them."
Smith scored the opener in the 1-1 draw, back on May 27 after a late equalizer from Atlanta saw them split the points in Orlando. Now on the reverse trip, the hope for the Lions fullback is that he can play a part in another milestone moment in the seven-year rivalry.
"It's very satisfying, especially [scoring] against Atlanta because I know that it's a big rivalry since this club and them have been playing against each other, so it means a lot."
With a player like Smith stepping into a scoring role in that last match, it actually sparked a conversation within the team and coaches about players that are not necessarily relied upon to score to step up.
“We had a conversation with the group maybe 35 days ago and we were talking about this necessity of scoring,” Head coach Oscar Pareja said. You’re always focused on the two, three, or four forwards and their need to score. That conversation was extended to all [players] and we all can score whether it’s in a set play, shooting from outside the box. It’s not necessarily the two or three forwards, it’s everybody just contributing with the purpose of scoring.
“We have been not just recognizing it, but reinforcing it to the players in Kyle [Smith] is a good example and he understands it well. We hope that we can keep that mentality because we need it.”
The Lions now will look to take that mentality into Mercedes-Benz Stadium to take on Atlanta on Saturday night (7:30 p.m. kickoff | TV: FS1, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (free match).
“It’s a game of massive importance for us,” Pareja said. “We understand what not only the points mean for us, but also what the match means to our fans. We are going to prepare the best way possible, as always, to take on this match with a lot of responsibility, as always. We are going to do our best in this match and get the win.”
Don't miss Kickoff -60, airing one hour before Orlando City's match against New York, exclusively on the LionNation App. Join host Gabrielle Amado and Orlando City’s English-language radio talents Evan Weston and Paul Shaw as they break down the upcoming match, with special guests appearing regularly throughout the season.
Fans can download the LionNation App at the link here.
