ATL Standard

Atlanta United's playoff journey concluded in the Eastern Conference Semifinals with a 1-0 loss to Orlando City SC at Inter&Co Stadium. The match marked Atlanta's fourth trip to Florida in six weeks and ended their run as the No. 9 seed in the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.

Orlando City, seeded fourth, will advance to face the New York Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals on November 30. "It's a shame that we couldn't get it done," said Atlanta United midfielder Dax McCarty, who played his final match after a 19-year career. "Because it felt like the belief in the locker room was there and it was real, and it felt like the belief from the fans was real. We just came up a little bit short."

Interim head coach Rob Valentino praised his team's perseverance: "I'm proud that no matter what, the team kept showing up and they kept working. They never gave in."

In the first half, Orlando City created several scoring opportunities. Dagur Thorhallsson's shot hit the post early on, but Saba Lobjanidze blocked Facundo Torres' follow-up attempt at goal for Atlanta United. Ramiro Enrique scored for Orlando in the 39th minute after connecting with Martín Ojeda's corner kick.

"The big problem was, we lost our mark, so Enrique jumped on it," Valentino explained.

Atlanta United faced challenges when striker Jamal Thiaré struggled with an injury following a foul and had to be replaced by Daniel Ríos before halftime.

The second half saw further setbacks for Atlanta as Ríos left due to injury shortly after kickoff. Valentino adjusted by bringing on fullback Ronald Hernández and moving Saba higher upfield. Despite efforts from players like Alexey Miranchuk and Xande Silva, Atlanta failed to register a shot on goal.

"It became difficult when we had to take both forwards off. We had no actual focal point," Valentino noted.

Brad Guzan acknowledged difficulties in attack: "Ultimately, we didn't have enough in the attacking third."

After surviving four elimination matches this postseason, Atlanta United could not find an equalizer against Orlando City SC. The defeat concludes their season and ends McCarty's career with pride despite frustrations.

"Frustrating season, but we ended it with pride, and we ended it fighting," McCarty reflected. "We gave it everything we had. The magic just ran out a little bit here in Orlando."