Atlanta United outlasts and upsets Inter Miami in thrilling match to advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinal

In a whirlwind of chaos across 90 minutes, Atlanta United pulled off one of the most incredible of upsets tonight, eliminating Lionel Messi and friends from the MLS Cup Playoffs in the third game of the Best-of-Three series in Round One.

Rob Valentino kept his 5-3-2 formation that Atlanta have found some success with ever since the injury to Brooks Lennon in Game One of the series. Saba Lobjanidze and Pedro Amador featured as the wingbacks, and a three center back lineup aimed to keep things compact in the back.

After being limited in training during the week, Jay Fortune was moved to the bench to start the day. Tristan Muyumba moved into his midfield role.

From the opening whistle, Inter Miami immediately became dominant on the ball. Atlanta United bunkered down, aiming to prevent conceding an early goal similar to the first match of the series.

Atlanta United slowly worked their way back into the game, and saw a chance on the break in the 14th minute. A first time ball from Pedro Amador into the path of Jamal Thiare, who got a touch around Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender, only for the shot to strike off the post and be cleared away by the home side.

Three minutes later, Miami’s pressure paid off. Diego Gomez drove down the left and found Messi at the penalty spot, forcing an amazing save out of Brad Guzan. Unfortunately for Brad, the ball fell to the feet of Matias Rojas, who scored from the tight angle to put the home side on the board.

Immediately, Atlanta United slammed their collective foot on the metaphorical gas pedal. Dax McCarty sent a ping of a ball ahead into the path of an attacking Jamal Thaire, who put his laces through the ball to convert a smashing half volley to bring things back level. Cue pandemonium.

Did you think he was done there? Oh, you sweet summer child.

Mere minutes later, Dax McCarty again put a perfect pass through, this time to Alexey Miranchuk. Alexey’s outside of the boot ball across found Jamal Thiare who swiftly tucked the ball away to secure his brace, and give Atlanta a stunning lead.

Inter Miami was down, but not out. In the 24th minute, Diego Gomez drove through on goal, and tucked a shot by Guzan to seemingly bring the game back level. However, a late flag went up on the touchline, and VAR confirmed an offside call to keep the scoreline at 2-1 to the Five Stripes.

Brad Guzan’s name was called again and again through the first half, denying strikes from both Messi and Suarez in stunning form. Atlanta United held on despite a barrage and went into the halftime break with a shock 2-1 lead.

Guzan’s incredible form continued into the second half. Messi chiped a ball up in the 18, and Miami headed what looked to be a certain goal. But then, this.

Brad Guzan continues to age like a fine wine in this last stretch of the season. Somehow defying the laws of physics, Guzan makes another incredible stop to keep Atlanta in front.

Rob Valentino brought on Jay Fortune and Stian Gregersen in the 59th minute in a bid to settle things down defensively. Tristan Muyumba made way, as well as Dax McCarty after a fantastic shift in midfield.

In the 65th minute, Inter Miami finally grabbed their equalizer. Lionel Messi rose up through a cluster of Atlanta defenders to send a header past Guzan, making it two apiece. Ugliness ensued as Leo Campana shoved Guzan back into the net, and Suarez followed up with a barrage of taunts. Somehow, no cards were shown.

Now with all on the line, both teams fought to get the lead back. Ten minutes later, Atlanta United once again showed resiliency to push themselves back in front of the Supporters Shield champions. Despite an Inter Miami player going down with a seemingly non-contact injury, Atlanta United played through their attacking chance, and Pedro Amador whipped in a now trademark cross to the head of Bartosz Slisz, who powered it home for the 3-2 lead. Pandemonium. Again.

Tempers were hot as Inter Miami’s end began to draw near. Atlanta United defended desperately as time wore down, clinging to the narrow lead as Miami threw the kitchen sink towards Atlanta’s goal.

After more than seven minutes of stoppage, the final whistle blew, securing one of the most iconic performances in the history of the league. Atlanta United has eliminated the most star-laden, point record setting, Shield winning Inter Miami. It’s hard to describe just how jaw dropping of a result this was. In one of the worst performing regular seasons in club history, after firing a head coach halfway though and selling two Designated Players, Atlanta United have pulled off the unthinkable. Savor it. Revel in it.

Atlanta now advances to the single elimination Eastern Conference Semifinals, where they’ll travel to face rival Orlando City once again.

Let’s hear it! Voice your opinions on Atlanta United’s performance in the player rating form below: