Sports
Orlando City Hosts Atlanta United in Crucial MLS Eastern Conference Semifinal
The Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs continue with a highly anticipated Eastern Conference semifinal match between Orlando City SC and Atlanta United on Sunday, November 24. The game is set to kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida. This matchup marks the first time these two teams have faced each other in the MLS Cup Playoffs, despite having played 21 matches against each other in regular season games.
Orlando City, the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference, finds itself in a favorable position after the top three seeds, including Inter Miami, Columbus Crew, and FC Cincinnati, were eliminated in the first round. This has given Orlando home field advantage for the remainder of the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Lions have been strong at home, with an impressive 8-1-4 record and a +20 goal differential in their last 13 home matches since June 22.
Atlanta United, on the other hand, has been on a Cinderella run, having pulled off one of the biggest upsets in MLS Playoff history by defeating Inter Miami in the first round. Despite injuries to key players such as Brooks Lennon and Edwin Mosquera, Atlanta United remains confident after their recent victories. The team will be without Lennon for the remainder of the postseason due to a shoulder injury, and Mosquera is unlikely to return unless Atlanta reaches the final.
The match will be a single-elimination game, with the winner advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals to face either the New York Red Bulls or New York City FC. If the score is tied at the end of regulation, the game will proceed to two 15-minute extra time periods, followed by a penalty shootout if necessary.
Fans can watch the match exclusively on the MLS Season Pass from Apple TV. The service is currently available at its lowest price of the season, with a seasonal subscription costing $9.99. Existing Apple TV+ subscribers can sign up for the MLS Season Pass for free for the remainder of the season and playoffs.
Pre-match activities at Inter&Co Stadium will include kid-friendly events, food trucks, and giveaways at Mane Street Plaza, which opens at 1:00 p.m. ET. The stadium has also undergone several upgrades, including new TVs, enhanced Wi-Fi, and updated security processes.