Orlando City SC Dominated Rivalry Match vs Atlanta United

Orlando, FL – A rivalry game at Inter & Co Stadium as Orlando City SC took on Atlanta United and dominated them with a critical three points up for grabs.

The last time these two teams played each other, Orlando sent Atlanta packing in the playoffs. Ramiro Enrique scored the lone goal in the 39th minute, and the rest was history. Would Atlanta be able to erase the sour taste of defeat this time around?

It takes fuel to light the fire, and playing Atlanta melted the ice. Orlando City finally ended their three-game scoreless streak. In the 42nd minute, Luis Muriel was taken down in the goalie box. After a review by the officials, a penalty shot was awarded to the Lions. Muriel was the elected official to take the shot and came out presidential. A goal was scored on the right-hand side to give Orlando a 1-0 lead.

As cool as you’d like 🧊 pic.twitter.com/ql7Jwpqv0e

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) April 27, 2025

Never Hunt Alone

The first 45 minutes presented the Lions with many opportunities to score. Both Marco Pasalic and Eduard Atuesta dished out assists to teammates who couldn’t find the back of the net. Pedro Gallese, on the other hand, was not challenged much during the first half of play. In total, Atlanta had only three shots on goal versus five for the purple and gold. Orlando dominated time of possession. The Lions were clearly in control of the game, and the crowd was rocking. After the first 45 minutes, Orlando-1 Atlanta-0. Will Pedro Gallese man the wall and set a club record for the most consecutive clean sheets?

Time For The Second Act

Lynyrd Skynyrd would say, “Free Bird.” Orlando would say, “Freeman.” In the 51st minute, Alex Freeman was able to tally a 3rd goal to add to his rookie campaign. Marco Pasalic provided a dazzling assist in the process.

Lemon City was able to ask Alex Freeman after the game what was different about tonight’s performance in comparison to the previous scoreless contests. “I think defensively, we are always going to be strong. Offensively, we have chances every game. I think it’s just about finishing up. Being able to score, being able to attack and combine more,” stated Freeman.

Lemon City Exclusive. Alex Freeman reflects on what the team did differently tonight and what Orlando City needs to do moving forward. #orlandocity @LemonCityLive pic.twitter.com/CQ0VC2xHeT

— Michael Saylor 34 (@Saylor3426320) April 27, 2025

Pass The Pasalic

Orlando was not done. In the 67th minute Marco Pasalic scored a remarkable goal. Brad Guzan was not able to track the shot down and Orlando’s lead extended 3-0.

The past few games were like driving in a dump truck. Slow, not much action and forgettable. The dump truck was clearly traded in for a Bugatti. The Lions looked like the team that led the MLS at the beginning of the season in goals scored. The cloak of invincibility has been lifted, the world can see you. Tonight’s performance was magical. Orlando graduated from Hogwarts while Atlanta continued to be known as “he who must not be named”.

El Pulpo, rubber band man, it doesn’t matter what he is called, Pedro Gallese earned the record for the most consecutive clean sheets in OCSC history with four. Gallese looked polished, did not take any unnecessary risks and looked confident. There is a certain energy Gallese brings, and it clearly rubs off on the team’s performance.

Coach Oscar Pareja congratulates Cesar Araujo and reflects on Orlando City's performance versus Atlanta. #orlandocity @LemonCityLive pic.twitter.com/KFbunHMLPx

— Michael Saylor 34 (@Saylor3426320) April 27, 2025

Let the history books show that on Saturday, April 26th, Orlando got their swagger back. If the season continues like this, the sky’s the limit. Cue Atlanta lyrical historian Lil Jon, “what?” No identity crisis here. The final, Orlando City SC-3 He Who Must Not Be Named (Atlanta)-0.