Atlanta United's Last Push for a Playoff Birth in a Must Win Game against Orlando City

The final regular season game between Orlando City and Atlanta United on October 19, 2024, is crucial for Atlanta's playoff hopes. Atlanta United is still in contention, but they need a win to stay in the race for the 2024 MLS playoffs and hope they get favorable results in the other games. Following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls, Atlanta currently sits just a few points behind the playoff spots, making this match a must-win to keep their chances alive. 

On the other hand, Orlando City has already secured a playoff berth and is playing at home, so they may not feel the same pressure. However, Orlando will be eager to perform well in front of their fans and carry momentum into the postseason. Atlanta will rely heavily on key players like Alexey Miranchuk, who has been pivotal in recent games, and their interim coach, Rob Valentino, who has kept the team focused despite a turbulent season. 

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Orlando’s defence, though solid, will have to contain Atlanta’s attacking threats, especially Miranchuk and strikers Daniel Rios and Saba Lobzhanidze. Orlando's squad will be slightly weakened with key absences like Wilder Cartagena due to card suspension and Cesar Araujo's niggling ankle injury. Meanwhile, Jack Lynn is doubtful with a lower leg issue, but players like Facundo Torres will aim to make an impact. Both teams will aim for a strong performance, but Atlanta's need for a victory to secure a playoff spot could push them to field their most robust possible lineup.  

Interim coach Rob Valentino was brought in to steady a topsy-turvy season and has done reasonably well, but there is still a question mark over his head. Rob Valentino has stepped in twice as interim head coach for Atlanta United. His first stint was in 2021, following Gabriel Heinze's dismissal. Valentino helped stabilize the team, earning praise for improving morale and on-field performances. However, results were mixed, with a record of three wins, four losses, and four draws during his interim period. 

Valentino again took over after Gonzalo Pineda’s departure. During his spell, he has focused on rejuvenating the squad's form and guiding them in a late playoff push. The directors have placed a few names in the hat for selections if they decide to part ways with Valentino.  A few possible replacements for Rob Valentino as Atlanta United's head coach could include experienced MLS coaches or international candidates with solid tactical backgrounds. Names like Canadian National Team coach Jesse Marsch, who has previous MLS success and international experience, or New England Revolution’s assistant coach Tab Ramos, known for developing young talent, might be considered. Atlanta could also look abroad for a coach with fresh ideas, such as Uruguay’s National Team head coach Marcelo Bielsa-inspired tacticians. Ultimately, the next coach should align with Atlanta's attacking style and be capable of leading a successful rebuild 

Atlanta United has had a notable playoff history since its inaugural season in 2017 and is hell-bent on maintaining their impressive playoff record.  

• 2017 (Inaugural Season) 
• Playoff Appearance: Atlanta made the playoffs in their first season but were eliminated in the first round. They lost to the Columbus Crew in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw in regulation. 

• 2018 (MLS Cup Champions) 
• Playoff Run: This was Atlanta's most successful season. After finishing 2nd in the Eastern Conference, they went on a remarkable playoff run, defeating NYCFC and the New York Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference playoffs. 
• MLS Cup Final: Atlanta United won the 2018 MLS Cup by defeating the Portland Timbers 2-0, securing their first-ever championship. This victory solidified them as a powerhouse in MLS early in their history. 

• 2019  Playoff Performance Atlanta United continued their strong form in 2019, finishing 2nd in the East again. They reached the Eastern Conference Final but were defeated by Toronto FC, falling short of a second consecutive MLS Cup appearance. Campeones Cup & U.S. Open Cup: Despite their playoff exit, Atlanta won two major trophies in 2019, including the Campeones Cup and the U.S. Open Cup. 

• 2020 
• Missed Playoffs: Atlanta had a challenging 2020 season, marked by the firing of head coach Frank de Boer. For the first time in their short history, they failed to make the playoffs. 

• 2021 
• Playoff Return: Atlanta returned to the playoffs after a one-year absence, finishing 5th in the Eastern Conference. However, they were eliminated in the first round by NYCFC, who went on to win the MLS Cup. 

• 2022 
• Missed Playoffs: Atlanta missed the playoffs again in 2022, struggling with injuries and inconsistency throughout the season, particularly in the absence of star player Josef Martínez for parts of the year. 

• 2023  
• They returned to the playoffs but were knocked out early. 

Coupled with the team's playoff fate for 2024, which is hinging on their final game of the regular season against Orlando City, there is still a cloud of gloom about the possible retirement of two of Atlanta United’s backbone players. Goalkeeper Brad Guzan and central midfielder Dax McCarty are set to retire after the 2024 season. Guzan, Atlanta United’s long-time goalkeeper, has dealt with several injuries over the last few seasons, including a ruptured Achilles and a torn MCL, which led to his decision to step away from the game at the age of 39. Meanwhile, McCarty, who joined Atlanta for the 2024 season, will hang up his boots after a 19-year MLS career, marking the end of a legendary journey.