Monumental Orlando Win Vs ATL, Reach Eastern Conference Finals For First Time

Orlando, FL – On the heels of a historic NWSL Championship-clinching night for the Orlando Pride, Orlando City looked to make some history of its own, and that they did. Orlando City clinched a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in club history by defeating their bitter rivals in the ATL.

Under the tutelage of Coach “Papi” Pareja, this Orlando City team has shown success and growth every season – always building off the previous season. Creating a winning culture in any organization is difficult, but he’s done just that. Here’s what they’ve accomplished since his arrival: 2022 – US Open Cup champions; 2023 – most league points in club history, reaching conference semis for the first time; 2024 – reach the conference finals for the first time. Lucky for Orlando City fans, his contract is locked in through the 2025 season.

Complete Domination

Regardless of what the 1-0 scoreline might have you believe, tonight’s match vs. ATL was never under question. Orlando dominated from beginning to end. Personally, I believe the better match to watch would’ve been against Orlando’s other rival down south, but that’s neither here nor there. Either way, the Lions defeated and eliminated a bitter rival, ending their season and advancing into the Eastern Conference Finals.

Ramiro Enrique sneaks one past Guzan off a corner kick for the 1-0 #OrlandoCity lead in 39’!#MLSCupPlayoffs | #VamosOrlando | #ORLvsATLpic.twitter.com/CfqyC6IvYT

— Gustavo Chacon (@onaPSIh) November 24, 2024

It took Orlando until 39′ to get one past ATL’s goalkeeper, Brad Guzan. Ramiro Enrique received the ball inside the box off a Martin Ojeda corner kick, practically unmarked, at point-blank range after it deflected off of ATL defender, Stian Rode Gregersen. There was nothing Guzan could do from there. ATL was lucky their deficit wasn’t larger. Orlando had a 7(3)-2(0) shot (on-target) advantage in the 1st half alone. By the end of the match, Orlando had held ATL to zero shots on target.

The Culture Behind The Success

The Lions played possibly their most complete game of the season despite only scoring one goal. They played as a unit as if they had one mind. That cohesion is not by accident. I asked both Ramiro Enrique and Coach Pareja about the culture behind the success of the team and they both talked about the closeness off the field that makes it easier to play as a unit on the field.

After #OrlandoCity’s W over ATL, advancing to the #MLSCupPlayoffs ECF, I asked Ramiro Enrique about the culture Coach “Papi” Pareja has built and how it’s helped him step up in big moments.#VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/7CE1mKV5jc

— Gustavo Chacon (@onaPSIh) November 25, 2024

Coach “Papi” Pareja also added that he credits the players for essentially buying into his culture.

Piggybacking off the question I asked to Ramiro Enrique, I asked Coach “Papi” Pareja about the culture he’s built in Orlando. He emphasized the team chemistry on and off the field and credits the players, essentially for buying in.#OrlandoCity | #VamosOrlando | #MLSCupPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/CZkS0Vn73A

— Gustavo Chacon (@onaPSIh) November 25, 2024

Under Coach Pareja, the Orlando City Lions have become one of the MLS’s most dangerous teams. In an era dominated by former Barcelona superstars, the Lions have shown that their light can shine just as bright. They can dominate a match, but it won’t get any easier from here. If Orlando is to match the Pride and be the last ones standing, they’ll need to finish their chances more frequently. 14 Shots and only one goal won’t cut it.

Next up, they face the New York Red Bulls at home, on Saturday at 7:30 pm.

#OrlandoCity are moving on to the #MLSCupPlayoffs Eastern Conference Finals for the 1st time in club history after defeating bitter rivals, ATL 1-0 at home in front of a capacity crowd. The Lions dominated the match, but Ramiro Enrique was the one who gave them the go-ahead goal! pic.twitter.com/H2lK7TvEst

— Gustavo Chacon (@onaPSIh) November 24, 2024