After draw in Atlanta, Orlando City unbeaten in last 10

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:13 am

In a match light on excitement and fluid play, Orlando City SC fared well enough to extend its club-record unbeaten stretch to 10 games after a 0-0 draw at Atlanta United FC on Wednesday night.

While both sides had some decent looks to break through, neither could do so in this third meeting of the season between these Southern rivals.

Orlando appeared on the verge of taking the lead in the 79th minute when star midfielder Nani got a clear look at the goal. However, his strike hit the crossbar -- the second time an Orlando chance hit the woodwork on the night.

Midfielder Junior Urso also had a brilliant point-blank opportunity in the 86th minute, but Atlanta keeper Brad Guzan was there for the massive stop.

Orlando City (8-2-6, 30 points), enjoying a stellar season, is 6-0-4 since losing at Inter Miami CF in late August. Orlando also sits at 1-0-2 against Atlanta this season.

Prior to this season, Orlando City had never beaten Atlanta over eight matches. Orlando City also lost five consecutive matches in the series entering the 2020 campaign.

Atlanta (5-8-3, 18 points) is 2-1-1 since dropping three in a row. However, United has been blanked in two of its last three matches. On the flipside, Atlanta has now posted back-to-back clean sheets.

United's best chance of the second half came via forward Adam Jahn early in the second half. A pushing Jahn had a solid look from just outside the right, top of the box, but he sent his shot wide of the net.

The first half was rather disjointed, but both sides offered a couple of quality chances. Orlando put four balls on target, compared with two for Atlanta, but Guzan was up to the challenge, finishing with six saves.

Orlando goalkeeper Brian Rowe was also on point but did not need much movement on his stops. He made three saves.