Atlanta United condemns Orlando City SC to eighth straight loss

Miguel Almiron scored twice, and Atlanta United handed Orlando City SC their eighth straight loss 4-0 Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Josef Martinez and Ezequiel Barco also found the net for United, who stretched their unbeaten streak to six games in Major League Soccer play.

Orlando City haven't won since a 3-1 victory over Real Salt Lake on May 6. The Lions have made a coaching change since that win, parting ways with Jason Kreis and hiring James O'Connor. O'Connor, who led Louisville City FC to the USL title last season, will join the Lions on Monday.

Martinez scored three minutes into the match. A right-to-left cross from Julian Gressel made it all the way through the box to a sliding Martinez, who redirected the pass past Orlando City keeper Joe Bendik to give United a 1-0 lead.

It was Martinez's MLS-leading 15th goal of the season and kicked off a first 45 minutes controlled by Atlanta. United had 72.5 percent possession in the first half.

USA Today Images

---

Orlando City has conceded first in 15 of its 17 matches.

The Lions stayed within one goal into the second half, before Martinez and Almiron got loose on a breakout. Martinez threaded a pass to Almiron, who buried a left-footer to give Atlanta 2-0 lead in the 55th minute. It was Martinez's third career MLS assist.

Things snowballed from there, with Barco scoring two minutes later on a rebound of an Almiron shot that banged off the crossbar.

Almiron tacked on his second goal in the 78th minute, scoring off an assist from Mikey Ambrose. Almiron has eight goals on the season.

Orlando City will make the cross-country trip to take Los Angeles FC on Saturday. It's expected to be O'Connor's first game on the sidelines for the Lions.

Atlanta will play at FC Dallas on Wednesday.