ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED????
Atlanta United beat the odds once again with a stunning 2-1 win over Inter Miami to force a game three.
The game came down to the final minutes, but it was well worth it for the crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium which got to celebrate one final home win in 2024.
Interim Head Coach Rob Valentino made some adjustments to the starting lineup that dropped game one in Fort Lauderdale. Due to Brooks Lennon’s injury in game one, Ronald Hernández was called to step in at right back while Luis Abram replaced Stian Gregersen at right center back.
The match kicked off very evenly with both sides creating decent scoring chances early on. Despite being the heavy underdogs, Atlanta posted more shots (6) than Inter Miami (4) in the first half and won the xG battle 1.7-1.4.
The Five Stripes were playing very well and the 68,455 fans in the Benz were loving it, but the first goal of the game fell to Inter Miami as Brad Guzan slipped trying to play a long ball. The ball landed to David Martinez who calmly finished to put the Herons up before halftime.
Atlanta United came out of the break strong and managed to tie the game in the 58th minute when Pedro Amador played a cross to Derrick Williams who headed home for his first goal with the club. Amador’s cross was his 7th assist since joining the club in July.
The game continued from end to end and it seemed like it would go to a penalty shootout, but on came super sub Xande Silva who was in the right place at the right time to smash home the game-winning goal.
The Five Stripes now go back down to Miami next Saturday to wrap up the series and decide who advances to the Eastern Conference Semifinal.
What did you think of the match? Let us know in the comments and fill out your player ratings below.
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The biggest impression I had of the game was that, if you didn’t know the names of the players on either team, you would have said the game was pretty evenly played. Miami had a bit more possession, but much of that was around the edges and not in dangerous positions. Both teams had a few good chances. Overall, a very even match.
Also, Messi was very well contained. Excellent job!
[…] Xande Silva last-minute goal seals Game 2 win for Atlanta United over Inter Miami […]
Fortune the 2nd half off thr season has been our best midfielder. He has grown leaps and bounds. Last night he had a fantastic game.
minus the whole missing out on a chance to score a goal
He’s sure as hell playing better than Miranchuk who I’m still waiting to see what the fuss was about
Kind of agree on Miranchuk, but I think his game is more subtle than, say, an Almada. He is not the fastest, but it’s hard to get the ball off of him and he is calm on the ball in tight spaces. And he has excellent vision and can pick a really nice pass. I see him as more of a facilitator that can also poach a goal now and then (very strong leg). I’m hopeful his value becomes more apparent with better striker play.
I’m with you on this as well. He needs Silva to perform this way all the time and a consistent striker to feed chip shots
Idk if Matt saw that stunning strike or not… or the one touch pass that led to the winning goal.
I saw the strike, but really, those hits are less impressive. Lots of players can hit nice curling strikes from outside the box.
Go watch the video of Xande’s winning goal and note who out the ball perfectly in front of him rather than attempting a worse shot himself.
Miranchuk has tons of class on the ball, and his vision and distribution are better than anyone in our midfield. He is going to be a different 10 than we have come to expect (e.g. Almiron/Almada) because he doesn’t create as much off the dribble. Once he is paired with Saba/DP striker/DP left wing I think you will appreciate him so much more because he will facilitate their success and defenses will become stretched trying to manage four lethal threats.
If Garth doesn’t fill the TD/HC/DP2/DP3 slots this winter I’m going to Occupy Children’s Heathcare all spring long!
How about that roar after the second goal? The Benz just hits different man.
Most intimidating place to play in all MLS when we’re rocking
In the match preview comments, I said if we can hang on late, we will be playing against one of the oldest rosters in the MLS and have ample space to counter. We hung on late, and boy look what has happened.
Didn’t get to go and didn’t get to watch, either, so I can’t wait to watch the replay. I’m stunned. But also this team is completely unpredictable so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised?
What a thrilling game. This felt like old times…
“but the first goal of the game fell to Inter Miami as Brad Guzan slipped trying to play a long ball.”
I’m sorry, did you watch a different game? That was obstruction; Guzan should have swung through, but would have risked injury. Laughable that you think he slipped
Yeah I’m confused how that wasn’t called on review, but it is Miami so I guess that tracks
I agree withe the article. It looked to me that Guzan slipped. In my understanding, it is not obstruction if the player doesn’t touch the ball or Guzan in that instance.
When Guz saw the player was that close, he should’ve at least made sure there was contact to get the call. Not a full swing through, but he couldve made sure his leg grazed him to get the call.
I know I’ve critiqued Silva in the past, and still do, but that was a contract extending statement from him. Bravo.
More Saba time come game three… I can feel it
That team passing to Xande’s goal was beautiful. I will say the incisive passing has gotten better. Not consistent yet, but it’s getting better.