Orlando City SC is set to host Atlas FC in a pivotal Leagues Cup group stage match on Saturday, August 2, 2025, with both clubs desperately seeking their first win of the tournament. The contest, scheduled for a 6 p.m. ET kickoff at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, represents a crucial juncture for two teams that stumbled in their opening fixtures.
This match marks the first-ever meeting between the MLS side and the Guadalajara-based club. For Orlando City, it’s a chance to improve upon a challenging 1-2-6 all-time record in competitive matches against Liga MX opponents. The Lions enter the game with one point in the standings after a 1-1 draw with Pumas UNAM on Wednesday, a match they ultimately lost 4-3 in a penalty shootout. Atlas FC comes in with zero points following a narrow 2-1 defeat to Inter Miami, where they conceded a heartbreaking goal deep into stoppage time.
Orlando City’s recent form has been a cause for concern, particularly at home. The team has surrendered late leads in three consecutive home games, including the recent draw against Pumas. A recurring theme has been an inability to hold onto a 1-0 advantage, a pattern they must break to secure the three points needed for a strong chance at advancing. Despite these defensive lapses, midfielder Martín Ojeda has been a consistent bright spot, recording a goal or an assist in 11 consecutive matches across all competitions. His assist on Rodrigo Schlegel’s fifth-minute goal against Pumas continued his remarkable streak. However, the team will be without several key players due to injury, including Duncan McGuire (shoulder), Wilder Cartagena (Achilles), Joran Gerbet (thigh), and Yutaro Tsukada (knee), according to reports from The Mane Land.
To bolster their attack for the remainder of the season, Orlando City recently acquired Trinidad & Tobago international forward Tyrese Spicer from Toronto FC. The 24-year-old, who was the first overall pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, is expected to provide much-needed depth on the wing.
On the other side, Atlas FC arrives in Orlando with significant defensive questions. As noted by LeaguesCup.com, Los Rojinegros are without a clean sheet in their last 16 competitive matches and have conceded 10 goals in their last four outings. Despite their defensive frailties, they demonstrated their attacking potential against Inter Miami, registering 14 shots with seven on target. The team will look for a strong performance from players like Matías Cóccaro, a forward on loan from CF Montreal, to challenge Orlando’s back line.
Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja acknowledged the high stakes. “The format, we are all aware that it is very challenging for all… every point matters, every goal matters and we understand,” Pareja stated. “The first thing that we need to do is win the game before thinking about how many goals we score.”
For Orlando, keys to victory will include generating more offensive opportunities after managing only one shot on target against Pumas, and maintaining an aggressive posture even if they secure a lead, rather than bunkering down defensively. Atlas, meanwhile, must find a way to shore up a defense that has been consistently porous while capitalizing on counter-attacking chances.
The match will be broadcast on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, Univision, and TUDN. Following this game, Inter&Co Stadium will host a second Leagues Cup match between Atlanta United and Pumas UNAM at 9 p.m. ET.
