It’s fun being the bogey team for once.
Finally, Atlanta fans have the opportunity to be on the other end of the experience that the Red Bulls, Toronto, and every USL team Atlanta United plays in the U.S. Open Cup get. It’s even better, maybe, that it all comes at the expense of the most popular, star-studded MLS squad of all time. The big question tonight on Sunday Night Soccer: will it happen again?
The Five Stripes will be up against it this time (but when haven’t they been?) against a Miami side that is unbeaten across all competitions coming into tonight, scoring seven in their three MLS matches. Atlanta, meanwhile, have a 1-1-1 record, and haven’t scored at all since their three goals against CF Montreal to start the year. To make matters a little more complicated, one of their forwards with a few Ballon d’Ors to his name is seemingly back to being match fit- and most likely has revenge on his mind.
Speaking of returns, Atlanta United will have Brooks Lennon back for the first time this season, and Latte Lath is good to go following his concussion protocol. Ronald Hernandez and Jamal Thiare are out, though, and Mateusz Klich is questionable, all with quad injuries.
It’s hard to expect another shutout against a Miami team that hasn’t been held without a goal at any point in recent memory, but more of the same from last week’s clean sheet against the New York Red Bulls would be a welcome surprise. Even Charlotte couldn’t keep Inter Miami from the scoresheet while playing 11-vs-10, but hey, if we’ve learned anything from this matchup, anything’s possible, right? Maybe, just maybe, even an energetic and exciting second half performance?
Kickoff from Mercedes-Benz Stadium is set for an earlier 7:00 PM ET start, with streaming found on Apple TV, either with Apple TV+ or with a subscription to MLS Season Pass. Radio coverage is provided in English on 92.9 The Game and in Spanish on La Mejor.
As we get ready for some Sunday Night Soccer, remember to check out our match preview and predictions, then head on down and join the match thread in the comments below to discuss all the action from the Benz.
Atlanta United’s Lineup:
Inter Miami’s Lineup:
How to Watch:
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Kickoff Time: Sunday, March 16th; 7:00 PM ET
Available TV/Streaming: Apple TV (with MLS Season Pass Subscription), Apple TV+
Available Radio: 92.9 The Game, La Mejor 1600/1460/1130 AM
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Tough loss. You can’t give the ball away to the best player ever in that spot.
The second one was unfortunate. Brad got caught wrong footed but still might have had it. I think both have a shot but thought the other would go.
With that said, Miami is tough and we were right there with them. You are starting to see the progress with the passing.. but we still can’t figure out the last touch. Too many great opportunities that were wasted.
Lennon is the new Gressel and will get so many assists this year. Latte understands spacing and can find the empty spot.
That was irritating
a lot of sketchy no calls at the end of the match…
Just… d@mn. I don’t mind losing with a hard fought effort, but the “way we do it” is just so infuriating.
There is something missing in our team DNA that I can’t quite put my finger on. Just d@mn.
Mosquera had had an awful sub experience. Obviously he can’t help getting hut at the end but playing a man down isn’t good after he gives the ball away 4 times.
Okay he’s seriously injured… hope he’s okay.
Ouch
Should Brad have gotten that one? Seemed like it took forever to make it to the goal
i think he got crossed up with Williams charging in. I think Guzan would have gone in harder if he didn’t see Williams coming in.
Guzan just dives vertically. Not Horizonitally?
Hope the extra Garber bucks are worth it
Handball
Miami Rules….Rules for Me and Rules for Thee.
We should have like 4 yellows by now so idk about that
come on var
Idk how a handball could ever be “clear and obvious” on replay. Thats gotta be called on the field
looked clear and obvious to me
Agreed, as close as clear and obvious as it can be without him just catching the ball
If that isn’t a handball then nothing is.
Our first corner is as soon as Lennon leaves. Of course lol
man, abram…. that cross
At least the ref seems to be becoming equally bad for both teams
Why does it look like we’re the team that’s played 8 games in 26 days? Do we have a fitness problem or something? Is our system too demanding?
Muyumba has been the constant pressure everywhere – he is playing very well
come on guys, stop with the weak passes
If we’d stop the give aways…..
Joined at halftime… see a yellow for us…and number of fouls… then I know who the ref is. Yeah..
Ugh….come on guys, get it together up top. that was a gimme goal.
Messi off!!! 55:33!!!!
Messi is still there
AAAAGGGHGHH
How did we not put that away?!?!
How was that a foul by Miranchuk???
Miami rules for thee and rules for me?
Come on boys, we still got this! We nearly were up 2-0 before we gave the silly goal.
Without these stupid mistakes, we would be up.
2025 Miguel almiron = pity Martinez
High price , small results
Nah, plus I think most would be happy with Pity at a $8 million price, which is what almiron cost
Pity is more like Miranchuk, they’re a similar player. I think both are better than most people think too
Not sure that first half helped the argument for Miranchuk much
Fair
Nice shot by Miranchuk, too bad it was basically at RRN
I just don’t see what makes him a DP level player
Man he barely touched him, probably shouldn’t be a yellow?
Ref of the year? I usually don’t believe refs are actually intimidated by top players but jeez.
BS, that’s the cleanest tackle I’ve ever seen
If there’s something I surprised about, it’s that we’ve been losing goals/good chances by a high press. That’s not something I think Miami is known for, is it?
I seriously hate Jordi Alba
Gift from Shitz. He ain’t good
Oof. That’s frustrating.
I don’t understand why we always fall apart after scoring
Is it that we get sloppy after we score or are we just not defensively sound enough to absorb when the other team gets desperate after going down a goal?
Geeesh Slisz
Williams was giving Marinchuk hell after Messi’s goal.
COME ON ATLANTA WE’RE BETTER COME ON LADS
What do you mean? We always give up a goal shortly after scoring.
Ah I thought he was on
Man that Jordy Alba guy is fast
I loved that.
THIS IS WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF VAMOS!
Heck yes. Beautiful goal!
Welcome back brooks! You’re gonna like LL being there
So what happened to Tata?
f off Alba
He has a really intense stare
That was really close by Muyumba
So this is basically our complete first team lineup, right?
Klich for Muyumba. But otherwise yes.
Rios Novo!? That’s a name I haven’t heard in awhile. Glad to see he’s still competing for minutes somewhere.
I really can’t stand seeing all the Messi kits in here. I told my kids I’d give them $5 for every fan they spot with a Miami kit that WASNT Messi. They have collected nothing so far.
didn’t think Messi would start…I guess we will have to deal with him for at least 60 min