Emotions ran high when Atlanta United played defeated Orlando City 2-1 in Florida earlier this season.
Bottles were thrown. Supporters were suspended. Supporters clubs privileges were revoked. It wasn't the first time the supporters of either team misbehaved.
The two teams will meet for the second of three times this season on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which will be open to full capacity. More than 70,000 could be on hand.
If the roof remains closed, as it has been for all but two of the team’s home games, it’s going to very loud and the emotions, because of the two teams’ fortunes, should run hot.
Atlanta United leads MLS with 34 points. Orlando City has lost seven consecutive games, fired its coach and is attempting to keep its third consecutive season from going off the rails.
So, the team that can focus its emotions will improve its chances at victory.
“It’s just about taking a deep breath and trying to not get too emotional and still competing and trying to win the game,” Atlanta United fullback Mikey Ambrose said. “It’s fun.”
While Atlanta United is grinding out points, it hasn’t had much recent success at home, winning just one of its past five. Plus, it will be playing without influential midfielder Darlington Nagbe, who is expected to miss 2-3 months because of an injured adductor.
“Teams come here with their A game,” captain Michael Parkhurst said. “This is one of the toughest places to play in MLS. If they don’t bring their top game than we can take advantage and put some big numbers on teams last year.”
“Maybe why teams come in there and sit very deep. Teams play very well against us at home. We need to expect the same from Orlando. I don’t care if they’ve lost six or seven game straight and have a new coach and it seems like they are in a little turmoil, it doesn’t matter.”
Orlando City’s losing streak and 0-2-2 record against Atlanta United won’t matter. Parkhurst is certain.
“In their view, there will be no better way to break their streak than to come into Atlanta and beat us,” he said. “We have to be ready. We have to bring our best game. We want to start winning home games. It’s been a while.”
About the Author
