ORLANDO, Fla. (Aug. 22, 2018) - Almost two weeks since its last match, Orlando City SC (7-15-2, 23 points) hosts Atlanta United FC (15-4-6, 51 points) on Friday, Aug. 24. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET at Orlando City Stadium.
The match will be nationally televised on ESPN and broadcast on FM 96.9 The Game in English and La Nueva 990 AM in Spanish.
“Obviously we’ve been able to score goals. Trying to make sure we have a good understanding of defensive principles is probably the biggest thing we’ve been going through. Getting good understanding of what’s required against a very good team,” Lions head coach James O’Connor said. “But equally, I think we want to try to create some problems for them. I think they’re a great attacking team, having a very strong year. But equally we’re at home, we want to create a really intimidating atmosphere. I’m sure our supporters will be able to really help us on Friday night. We want to cause some problems for them and make them defend as well.”
In its last match, City fell 3-2 at D.C. United on Aug. 12. Dom Dwyer scored his team-leading 11th goal of the season in Uri Rosell’s first assist with the Club. Midfielder Cristian Higuita received a red card in the 55th minute and will miss Friday’s match.
The Lions will also be without Yoshimar Yotún, who will serve the second match of a two-game suspension following a red card on Aug. 4.
Atlanta United enters the match after defeating Columbus Crew SC 3-1 on Sunday. Josef Martinez recorded his 27th goal of 2018, tying the MLS single-season scoring record. Hector Villalba and Miguel Almirón also scored for the Five Stripes.
Atlanta United’s organized supporter groups will be in attendance following the mutual reinstatement of each club’s supporter groups’ privileges on July 18.
