Atlanta United’s Meram gets last laugh in Orlando

Images from the match between Atlanta United and Orlando City SC at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Atlanta United)

Credit: Carmen Mandato

Credit: Carmen Mandato

Images from the match between Atlanta United and Orlando City SC at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Atlanta United)

If Justin Meram heard the boos every time he touched the ball during Atlanta United's 1-0 win over Orlando on Friday at Exploria Stadium, he didn't let on.

“Really?” he said. “That’s crazy.”

Winning can make everything better, especially when it’s the second time Meram and Atlanta United have defeated Orlando in less than a month.

“That’s the bottom line,” he said.

Meram wasn’t at his best on Friday. Few Atlanta United players were on a hot, humid night in a game played on a slow pitch.

But credit to Orlando supporters for not stopping the boos all the way to the game’s end. At least they could finish that because their team certainly couldn’t finish any of the 17 chances it created.

The boos came because Meram played for the Lions for part of last season. He scored one goal. He didn’t enjoy his time in Orlando. The supporters clearly didn’t enjoy having him on the team. He was traded before the season’s end back to Columbus, which had traded him to Orlando before the season.

“They are still upset,” he said. “I’ve moved on and am feeling great. Every time I come here I’m sure ti will be the same thing. Clearly, I’m living in their heads right now, rent free.”

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