ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando City will have to take down its fiercest rival in order to reach its first tournament final.
The Lions will host Atlanta United Tuesday in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals, pushing to advance in the tournament that features amateur and professional clubs fighting to be crowned the top soccer team in the United States. The winner qualifies for the CONCACAF Champions League.
Almost immediately after the final whistle of the Lions’ 2-0 victory over FC Dallas on Saturday, supporters in the Wall section began chants about Atlanta. The fans’ distaste for its rival was clear even during MLS All-Star Week, when Exploria Stadium rumbled with boos whenever Atlanta players Brad Guzan or Josef Martínez touched the ball.