Martin Perelman is confident Orlando City SC youngster Justin Ellis will have a bright future should he continue to produce strong defensive displays.

Ellis set up Antoine Griezmann for Orlando's only goal in their 1-0 win over San Diego FC last time out, while also proving to be a threat for the Lions going forward.

He created more chances (two) and attempted more dribbles (four) than any other Orlando player, while only Griezmann (seven) registered more crosses than his four.

The 19-year-old also recorded his ninth assist of the season, trailing only Ivan Angulo (10) for Orlando in the MLS, and interim boss Perelman is hoping he can kick on from here.

"I think the biggest change for [Justin Ellis] is defensively," Perelman said. "Offensively, I think when he started playing, he used to drop more to the right side because we had Martin [Ojeda] and Ivan [Angulo].

"I'm talking about last semester. So, I think for him, the biggest change, and where he is improving and developing the most, is on the defensive side.

"I think what I like most about him now is how he is defending because, offensively, I don't think there is a coach who can help Justin [Ellis]. He's so talented and so unique.

"So, it is just about enjoying him, supporting him and helping him connect with the experienced, top-quality players we have up front, like [Antoine Griezmann], Martin [Ojeda], Daryl Dike, Marco Pasalic, Ivan Angulo, [Tyrese] Spicer, Tiago and Harvey [Sarajian] when he goes in.

"We try to help him there, but again, I think he's working defensively, and his defensive game today, for me, was amazing. Being an '07 with that quality, and if he is going to defend like that, then the future is bright for him."

Orlando's victory maintained their push for the playoffs, with the Lions eighth in the Eastern Conference ahead of their trip to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to face Atlanta United.

Atlanta come into the clash off the back of coming from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Inter Miami, with debutant Breel Embolo scoring a late equaliser from the penalty spot.

The match also saw Atlanta boss Tata Martino reunited with his former club, with the Argentine taking charge of the Herons for the 2023-24 campaign.

Martino lifted the Leagues Cup and Supporters' Shield during his time in Miami, and he expressed his delight at being reunited with both Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez last week.

"Well, for me, it was a really nice chapter that we experienced here in Miami," Martino said. "We were able to accomplish some of the most important things for the club. 

"They're two great figures, two great soccer players. But beyond that, what I'll take away is the relationship we built and the fact that I was able to play a small part in their careers.

"Obviously, I spent more time with Leo and less time with Luis, but we built a great relationship, and the greeting with both of them was simply a reflection of that."

Atlanta United – Breel Embolo

Embolo enjoyed a dream debut against Miami last time out, scoring an 87th-minute penalty to seal a share of the spoils for the Five Stripes.

And in doing so, Embolo joined Dom Dwyer and Nick Firmino as the third Atlanta player to net a result-changing goal on his debut for the club.

Orlando City – Antoine Griezmann

Griezmann's excellent start to life in the MLS continued against San Diego, netting his fourth league goal, which is his sixth goal contribution in Orlando's last four matches.

The Frenchman also finished with team-high totals for shots (five), touches in the opposition box (five), successful dribbles (two) and possession won (eight).

MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW

Atlanta are unbeaten in their last two fixtures at home against Orlando, with the Lions last emerging victorious at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in July 2023 when they won 2-1. 

However, wins on home turf have proved hard to come by for Atlanta this season. They have managed just four wins in front of their own supporters so far. 

But the same could be said for Orlando on their travels. They have won just two games away from home this season, with their last such triumph coming against the San Jose Earthquakes back on July 22 in a 4-0 thrashing.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Atlanta United – 35.7%

Draw – 26.1%

Orlando City – 38.2%