Orlando City vs Atlanta United LIVE: Kickoff Time, TV Channel, Streaming Info, Lineups & Score Predictions

ATLANTA — In a clash that lived up to its billing, Atlanta United edged Orlando City 3-2 on Wednesday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, reigniting one of Major League Soccer’s fiercest regional rivalries. The match opened at break-neck speed. Orlando City stunned the 39,000-plus crowd in the 5th minute when midfielder César Araújo rifled a low drive past Brad Guzan to make it 1-0. Far from rattled, the Five Stripes answered through Russian playmaker Aleksei Miranchuk, who redirected a Miguel Almirón cut-back in the 19th minute to level the score. Momentum swung again just after the half-hour mark. Lions striker Ramiro Enrique capitalized on a defensive miscue to restore Orlando’s lead at 2-1, sending the visiting supporters into delirium. Atlanta’s back-line wobbled, yet Guzan produced two point-blank saves to keep the deficit manageable before the interval. Orlando’s night soured in the 77th minute when Araújo received a straight red card for a reckless challenge, reducing the visitors to 10 men. Atlanta seized the numerical advantage almost immediately: Polish midfielder Bartosz Slisz smashed a shot off the inside of the post and in on 83 minutes, his second goal in as many matches, to level at 2-2. With stoppage time looming, substitute Jamal Thiaré delivered the knockout blow. The Senegalese forward rose highest to nod home a pinpoint cross from Saba Lobjanidze in the third minute of added time, sealing a dramatic 3-2 comeback and sparking wild celebrations throughout “The Benz.” Key stats • Possession: ATL 59% – ORL 41% • Shots on target: ATL 8 – ORL 5 • Expected Goals (xG): ATL 2.6 – ORL 1.4 • Attendance: 39,247 What it means in the standings The victory vaults Atlanta United to 22 points, leap-frogging Orlando City in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Lions remain on 20 points and rue a missed opportunity to climb the table. Player of the match Miranchuk orchestrated Atlanta’s attack with four key passes and the vital equalizer, but Thiaré’s late heroics earned him man-of-the-moment status. Reaction “We showed resilience,” Atlanta head coach Gonzalo Pineda said post-game. “Going behind twice and still believing — that’s the mentality we need on the road next month.” Orlando manager Óscar Pareja lamented the red card: “The dismissal changed everything. Up to that point we controlled spaces.” What’s next Atlanta United embark on a three-game June road swing, starting at NYCFC on June 12. Orlando City return home to host Nashville SC on June 15, seeking to snap a three-match winless skid. Fans who missed the fireworks can catch full Orlando City vs Atlanta United highlights on MLS Season Pass and MLSsoccer.com. SEO takeaway Searches for “Orlando City vs Atlanta United score,” “Atlanta United comeback win,” and “MLS rivalry in the Southeast” are trending — and this five-goal thriller provides fresh content for every keyword.