Match Preview: Atlanta United travels to face Orlando City SC on Decision Day | Atlanta United FC

• Saturday is Decision Day, the final match of the 2024 MLS regular season. All matches in the Eastern Conference kick off at the same time 6 p.m. ET.
• For Atlanta United to have any hope of qualifying for the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs, Atlanta United must win its match on Saturday.
• If Atlanta United beats Orlando City SC on Saturday, a few more things need to happen for the club to clinch a playoff berth. Here are the scenarios.
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• Atlanta United current conference standing: 12th
• Points below the playoff line: Three below D.C. United in 8th and CF Montréal in 9th

View the Eastern Conference standings

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 19
• Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
• Location: Inter&Co Stadium

Traveling to Florida for the match? View the Traveling Supporters Guide

Both sides will have something to play for on Decision Day. Atlanta United has not yet qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs and need a win over Orlando City SC for a chance to qualify. A win plus two of the three following scenarios would clinch a playoff berth for the 5-Stripes. Orlando City SC has secured a playoff appearance, but a top-four place isn’t guaranteed. They’ll need a result to fend off New York City FC, two points below in fifth place, to earn that coveted home field advantage.

Atlanta United holds an all-time record of 9-4-7 against Orlando in MLS play: 4-2-4 at home and 5-2-3 on the road. The last time these two Eastern Conference sides met was back in March on the third matchday of the regular season. Saba Lobjanidze scored the opener and Atlanta United went on to shutout Orlando City SC at home 2-0 for the club’s second win of the season.

Facundo Torres (Orlando City SC) – The 5-foot-10 forward has been on a tear for the Lions as of late. He’s scored in two of Orlando’s three most recent matches and six goals in the team’s last seven games. The Uruguayan leads the team in scoring on the season with 14 goals, followed by Duncan McGuire with 10. Recently, Torres became Orlando City SC’s all-time leading scorer in the club’s 2-1 win over Philadelphia Union on October 3, breaking a tie with Cyle Larin.

Saba Lobjanidze (Atlanta United) – Saba has been one to watch for Atlanta United all season long. Along with being the team’s leading goal scorer, he has one of the highest work rates on the team. Among MLS wingers, he also ranks in the top 10 in several attacking categories including goal contributions, xG contributions and shots. When asked Thursday during media availability if he feels comfortable giving the team a speech or encouraging word at a critical point in a match, Saba nodded: “I just want to show them on the pitch my feelings. My words aren’t always in my speech. I want to show them on the pitch, to be more motivating for them and for me.”