Atlanta United played their third road match in six days Friday night against the Supporters’ Shield winners and No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, Inter Miami CF, in the opening match of the Audi 2024 Round One Best-of-3 Series.
After conceding a goal in the second minute, Atlanta United equalized with a goal from Saba Lobjanidze, his fourth against Miami this season, and made it a competitive match behind a heroic effort from Brad Guzan, whose eight saves set a new club playoff record. Although Atlanta played bravely and fought some fatigue, the product of their condensed schedule, the regular season champs outlasted their resolve and found the game-winner in the 60th minute. Inter Miami took Game 1 of this Round One series against Atlanta United.
"The fact that these guys have been on six flights in five days, I’m so proud of them," interim head coach Rob Valentino said in his post-match press conference. "They battled, they fought, they scrapped, they had a first minute goal, two injuries. They're resilient, and I'm really proud of them. I'm proud to be their coach at this moment. They never gave up. Fatigue is a massive one, but we went to-to-toe with them, and nearly had them."
First Half: Inter Miami gets an early lead, but it was Saba Time
Inter Miami’s stars flexed their talent early as Luis Suárez scored his 21st MLS goal of the year and his first of the playoffs only two minutes into the match. Jordi Alba played the ball from the left wing to Diego Gomez inside the box. Gomez took a quick touch and laid the ball off to Suárez, who drilled a low shot past Guzan.
Atlanta was forced to make some early substitutions due to injury. Luis Abram replaced Brooks Lennon, who took an awkward fall after battling for ball with Miami left back Jordi Alba in the 21st minute of the match. Then, Homegrown Noah Cobb subbed on for Stian Gregersen in the 34th minute.
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan continued his sharp form, keeping his team in the match as they began to pick up steam. One of his best saves in the first half came in the 29th minute when he stopped a rocket of a shot from Marcelo Weigandt. After conceding the early goal and making two substitutions in the first half, Atlanta found some footing in the final moments of the first half. Saba Lobjanidze, who now has four goals against Inter Miami this year, got the 5-Stripes on the board in the 39th minute.
The play started with veteran Dax McCarty getting the ball seamlessly into the final third. He got off the pass to Pedro Amador, who has been one of Atlanta’s strongest players since being acquired during the summer. Amador received the ball on the wing in the attacking third, dribbled inside and played a great pass through with the outside of his left foot to Lobjanidze inside the box. The Georgian winger struck his first time finish to the far post for his team-leading 10th goal of the season.
The assist was the sixth of the season for Amador, and his third straight match with an assist.
With the match tied 1-1 heading into halftime, the 5-Stripes were able to close out the first half with some momentum.
"It was up there. It’s up there certainly with one of the tougher challenges we’ve faced," said Guzan at the post match media. "All the different elements, everything stacked against us. I’m really proud of the guys to continue to battle, especially going down early, find a way into the game. It took everything to go out there.”
Second Half: A fighting effort
To begin the second half Atlanta United made two more substitutions – Xande Silva for Alexey Miranchuk and Tristan Muyumba came in for Jay Fortune.
As the half began, it was clear to see that the 5-Stripes were fighting against some of the exhaustion that comes with playing the number of games they have in such a short period of time. Miami got the 2-1 lead in the 60th minute. The goal started as a corner opportunity, but Lionel Messi instead played the ball to Sergio Busquets. With all the players huddled near the goal, Inter Miami had more numbers, most notably Jordi Alba. He put the shot just within the right corner of the net.
Guzan was fantastic in the second half, finishing the match with a total eight saves. In the three matches Atlanta has played this past week, the veteran goalkeeper has made 22 saves.
Much like the first half, once the 5-Stripes were able to settle into the run of play, they were able to get more chances towards the net. Lobjanidze almost equalized the match in the 71st minute after he made a long run down the pitch. Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender was able to make the stop. For the first time in the night, it was Inter Miami who had to sit back and defend while Atlanta United pushed for a tying goal.
The final whistle sounded and it was Miami that walked away with the first win, but Atlanta United put forth a valiant effort that they will be able to take into Game 2 of the series. Giving great effort seems to be a pattern for Atlanta United against Inter Miami CF. Before this match, they had a record of 1-0-1 against Miami. During the regular season, Atlanta won at 3-1 at Chase Stadium on May 29 and fought back to tie the September 18 match 2-2.
"We’ve got to keep our heads up, you’ve got to go again," said Guzan after the match about his message to the team. "I think I mentioned a week ago, I think before the Montréal game, we’ve had our backs against the wall for quite some time now. When our backs have been against the wall, we’ve found a way."
Inter Miami CF | Atlanta United | |
|---|---|---|
Shots | 22 | 7 |
Shots on target | 11 | 2 |
Corner kicks | 11 | 4 |
Fouls committed | 7 | 5 |
xG | 3.5 | 0.7 |
Possession | 60% | 40% |
Passing accuracy | 88% | 83% |
UP NEXT - MLS Cup Playoffs arrive to Mercedes-Benz Stadium
The schedule for the remainder of the series is below:
- Game 2: Saturday, Nov. 2 – 7:00 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta | View Tickets
- Game 3 (if necessary): Saturday, Nov. 9 – 8:00 p.m. at Miami
This Best-of-3 series gives the lower seeds a chance to host a playoff match, which means the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs are coming to Atlanta. Seeing the playoffs in Atlanta as the 5-Stripes try to even the series will be a huge reason to fill the seats at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
"I can’t wait to see them. I’m already buzzing about what that place is going to be like" said Valentino about Atlanta United supporters. "That’s what my message is to them, these people are waiting to cheer for you, you’ve been three on the road to finish into the playoffs and they’ve put those performances together and you can feel the buzz getting back for them and supporting them like they do."
