Atlanta United broke its losing streak at last. Having lost its last eight games in a row, the team defeated FC Cincinnati 4–2 and returned to the field against Orlando City, where it staged a 3–2 comeback in added time. Those two results have the team in the hunt this season, put an end to a gruesome losing streak, and spoil the 12-game undefeated run of the opponent.
Difficult start and defensive mistakes
The match against Orlando was started off with Atlanta being caught off guard. There was a gap in the defense in the fourth minute, which was driven through by César Araújo decisively past Brad Guzan. The pressure continued to increase, but the team reacted strongly. In the 19th minute, off a Saba Lobjanidze run, the ball was at the feet of Alexey Miranchuk inside the box. He hit across the corner low to level.
But the respite was short-lived. Derrick Williams was caught out in a scramble to play the ball back. Ramiro Enrique took advantage of the mistake, collected the loose ball, and scored Orlando's second. Atlanta were trailing once more and were behind at half time. By this point, the team had already conceded two goals at home via sloppy mistakes from players. The difference this time was the way they reacted to this.
Guzan to the rescue at the critical juncture and saves the gap from widening
Orlando also came close to scoring in the second half. Marco Pasalic hit the post with a powerful shot, and the ball came to Martín Ojeda in a one-on-one with the goalkeeper, who made a timely save to preserve the game for Atlanta.
With space becoming scarce, head coach Ronny Deila brought in a few changes. Pressure mounted slowly, especially with Orlando reduced to ten men. Straight red was the punishment for César Araújo in the 77th minute for pushing Klich and comporting himself in a manner that earned him his marching orders from the referee. Man advantage allowed more freedom to go forward for Atlanta.
Slisz nets the equalizer and sparks a fire in Atlanta late The equalizing goal came in the 83rd minute as a long-distance attempt by Bartosz Slisz hit the left post and rolled across the goal line. There was still time remaining in the game to win. Lobjanidze took the ball down the sideline in the 95th minute and past the defense to Jamal Thiaré, who found himself open to score and put finishing touches on the comeback.