Our prediction for this MLS match:
Inter&Co Stadium will host Sunday’s MLS playoffs clash between Orlando City and Atlanta United. The Lions survived Charlotte in the last 16 and they are seen as favourites to beat the Five Stripes as well. A man to watch in the home team will be Facundo Torres, who has already netted 16 goals in the MLS this season, while goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar remains in the recovery room.
The visitors, on the other hand, did well to shock Leo Messi’s Inter Miami in the previous round, but seeing that Orlando City are a real force to be reckoned with at home, we are tempted to place our bets on Oscar Pareja’s men. Both Lennon and Mosquera are sidelined with injuries for the visiting team, while Quentin Westberg is a major doubt and will be assessed ahead of the kick-off. Last time out Atlanta defeated Orlando 2-1 at the venue, meaning that the hosts are hungry for revenge.
Highlighted Player (Nicolas Lodeiro):
Nicolas Lodeiro is an experienced midfielder, who played for Barrio Obrero and Nacional during his youth career. In 2007 he tasted senior-team football for the first time ever and it has to be noted that he scored nine goals in 43 appearances in the league for Nacional.
In January 2010 the Uruguayan footballer joined Ajax, but he played no more than 21 games in the Eredivisie during his spell with the Amsterdammers. In 2012 he returns to South America, signing a four-year deal with Botafogo. During his spell with O Glorioso, Nicolas Lodeiro represented Uruguay at 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and 2014 FIFA World Cup.
The left-footed footballer was part of Corinthians and Boca Juniors before joining Seattle Sounders in 2016. Speaking of his international career, Lodeiro made his Uruguay debut against Costa Rica in the 2010 World Cup play-offs. The MLS star, who wears the No. 10 shirt, was born in Paysandu, Uruguay on March 21, 1989. In 2016 he won MLS Cup with Seattle Sounders.
Highlighted Team (Atlanta United):
Atlanta United is a Major League Soccer club and they were founded on April 16, 2014. They are based in Atlanta, Georgia and they will make their debut in MLS in 2017. Arthur Blank is the club’s owner and Bobby Dodd Stadium is Atlanta United’s home ground.
Arthur Blank is an American businessman, who is well known for his ownership of the NFL club Atlanta Falcons. The venue was opened on September 27, 1913 and its’ current capacity is 60.316. However, it has to be noted that the team will play first eight home games of the 2017 season at Bobby Dodd Stadium, while the latter nine fixtures will be hosted by Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Speaking of the club’s colors, Atlanta United footballers wear black and red shirts and black shorts with a little bit of gold mixed in. Gerardo Martino, who used to be in charge of La Liga side Barcelona in the past, will coach Atlanta United in the 2017 MLS season. Tata Martino won the Spanish Super Cup with Barca, while making it to the Copa America final with Argentina on two occasions (2015, 2016).