Major League Soccer (MLS) has cultivated a range of intense and passionate rivalries over the years, but few match the fire, flair, and friction of Orlando City SC vs Atlanta United FC. Dubbed the “Southern Showdown”, this clash of Southeastern titans brings together two ambitious clubs, passionate fanbases, and a history that’s already brimming with drama despite its relative youth.
While not as old as some of the league’s classic rivalries, Orlando City vs Atlanta United has quickly established itself as a must-watch fixture in the MLS calendar. Fueled by geography, competitive tension, and cultural pride, this rivalry symbolizes the rise of soccer in the American South.
Origins of the orlando city vs atlanta united
Founded in 2010 as a USL Pro team, Orlando City transitioned to MLS in 2015, becoming the league’s 21st franchise. Known for its purple kits and lion emblem, Orlando quickly developed a dedicated fanbase, largely due to the efforts of Brazilian ownership and a diverse local population eager to embrace soccer.
The team plays at Exploria Stadium, a soccer-specific venue with an electric atmosphere, known for its vibrant “Wall” supporters’ section. Orlando city vs Atlanta united had some rocky seasons initially, but recent years have seen a shift towards competitiveness and playoff consistency under head coach Óscar Pareja.
Atlanta United FC
Atlanta United, the flashy newcomers, entered MLS in 2017 and immediately turned heads. Backed by Arthur Blank, the billionaire co-founder of Home Depot and owner of the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta came into the league with serious intent.
Playing their home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which they share with the Falcons, Atlanta shattered attendance records and made a statement of intent from the start. Under Tata Martino, and powered by stars like Josef Martínez and Miguel Almirón, Atlanta won the MLS Cup in just their second season (2018).
The Birth of a Rivalry
Although Orlando entered MLS two years before Atlanta, the latter’s immediate success ignited a spark between the two. Orlando fans, already hungry for a winning season, watched as Atlanta built a championship-caliber team nearly overnight.
From the start, this was more than just a football match—it was a battle of city pride, playing styles, and ambitions. Atlanta’s “win now” approach clashed with Orlando’s long-term building project. The proximity of the two cities—less than 450 miles apart—added fuel to the fire. Fans could travel to away matches, and social media battles between supporters became routine.
The MLS capitalized on this energy, scheduling many Orlando-Atlanta matches on weekends or holiday weekends to maximize viewership and attendance. Over time, the games themselves have lived up to the billing.
Head-to-Head Record
As of early 2025, the two teams have faced each other multiple times across MLS regular season games, U.S. Open Cup fixtures, and the MLS Cup Playoffs. Here’s a breakdown of the historical head-to-head:
- Total Matches: 19
- Atlanta United Wins: 9
- Orlando City Wins: 5
- Draws: 5
Atlanta initially dominated the rivalry, going unbeaten in the first six matches. However, Orlando gradually clawed their way back, earning hard-fought victories and, eventually, a critical MLS Cup Playoff win in November 2024, signaling a power shift in the South.
Iconic Matches
1. First Encounter – July 21, 2017
The first-ever meeting between the sides ended in a 1-1 draw. The atmosphere was electric, and even though the result was level, the message was clear: a new rivalry had been born.
2. Atlanta’s 4-0 Win – September 16, 2017
Atlanta made a statement at home with a crushing 4-0 win over Orlando. Josef Martínez bagged a hat trick, and Atlanta’s dominance stung Orlando fans.
3. Orlando’s Breakthrough Win – October 28, 2020
After years of frustration, Orlando finally got one over Atlanta with a 4-1 victory. Goals from Chris Mueller and Daryl Dike sparked celebrations throughout Exploria Stadium.
4. Playoff Semifinal – November 24, 2024 orlando city vs atlanta united
Perhaps the most important match to date. Orlando City defeated Atlanta United 1-0 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, with a clutch goal by Facundo Torres. The victory not only sent Orlando to the conference finals but also confirmed their evolution into a legitimate title contender.
Stars of the Rivalry
Orlando City Standouts
- Nani – The Portuguese legend brought star power and delivered in big moments, often leading the charge against Atlanta.
- Facundo Torres – The young Uruguayan attacker has been pivotal, particularly in the 2024 playoff run.
- Daryl Dike – A physical presence and goal threat who tormented Atlanta’s backline in early matchups.
Atlanta United Icons
- Josef Martínez – The all-time top scorer in the rivalry, his fiery personality and goal-scoring instinct defined Atlanta’s early dominance.
- Miguel Almirón – Now at Newcastle United, Almirón’s pace and vision were central to Atlanta’s attacking brilliance.
- Brad Guzan – The veteran goalkeeper made several key saves in rivalry games and kept things fiery between the sticks.
Tactical Clashes
Tactically, the two teams have evolved significantly. Atlanta initially adopted a free-flowing, South American-inspired attacking style under Martino, while Orlando leaned more on physicality and defense in the early years.
However, with Óscar Pareja at the helm, Orlando has developed into a more possession-based team, capable of controlling the midfield and pressing aggressively. This has made recent encounters much more balanced, often decided by a single moment of brilliance or a defensive error.
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Fan Culture and Atmosphere
One of the defining elements of this rivalry is the passionate fanbases. The Orlando Ruckus, the Iron Lion Firm, and other supporter groups bring an unmatched energy to home games. The Wall at Exploria Stadium is one of the most iconic features in MLS.
Atlanta boasts Terminus Legion, Footie Mob, and Resurgence, who fill the massive Mercedes-Benz Stadium with tifo displays, smoke bombs, and relentless chants.
Traveling fans often make their presence felt, with away sections regularly sold out for this fixture. There have been heated exchanges, viral chants, and even some scuffles over the years—nothing out of the ordinary for a true derby.
The Southern Identity
What makes this rivalry especially unique is its regional significance. The orlando city vs atlanta united was traditionally seen as college football territory, with soccer viewed as a niche sport. But Orlando and Atlanta have helped shatter that perception.
These two clubs have proven that soccer can thrive in the South. From record-breaking attendance to youth academies developing local talent, their impact stretches beyond just wins and losses. This rivalry isn’t just about football; it’s about reshaping the sporting landscape of an entire region.
Memorable Moments
Here are just a few unforgettable highlights:
- Josef Martínez taunting Orlando fans after scoring at Exploria.
- Nani’s late equalizer in the dying minutes of a 2021 showdown.
- The 2024 playoff drama, where Orlando knocked Atlanta out in a nail-biting semifinal.
- Exploria Stadium’s wild celebrations after finally beating Atlanta in 2020.
These moments have elevated the rivalry from a simple geographical clash to one filled with personal vendettas, emotion, and iconic footage that will be replayed for years.
Current Landscape (2025)
As of April 2025, the balance of power is shifting. Orlando City’s recent playoff success, including the elimination of Atlanta, suggests they are emerging as the dominant force in the Southeast. Meanwhile, Atlanta is in a bit of a transition, having recently parted ways with long-time stars and introducing younger talent.
The clubs are both reloading with ambitious signings. Orlando has invested heavily in South American midfielders, while Atlanta is betting on its academy and smart international acquisitions.
The next few years will determine whether Orlando can sustain their rise—or if Atlanta, with its financial clout and passionate fanbase, will return to the top.
Conclusion
The Orlando City vs Atlanta United rivalry is everything American soccer fans could hope for—fierce competition, passionate supporters, iconic players, and regional pride. What began as a battle between a newcomer and an underdog has turned into one of the most compelling storylines in MLS.
This rivalry is no longer just about proximity; it’s about identity, legacy, and the future of soccer in the South. And if the last few years are any indication, the best chapters are still waiting to be written.
Whether you bleed purple or rise up in red and black, one thing’s certain—Orlando vs Atlanta is must-watch football.