Atlanta United Falls 2-1 at Inter Miami CF in Game 1 of Round One of the Audi 2024 MLS Cup

Atlanta United suffered a 2-1 defeat to Inter Miami CF in Game 1 of their Round One Best-of-3 series in the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Friday night at Chase Stadium. Saba Lobjanidze netted his first career playoff goal, bringing his season total to 10 across the regular season and playoffs. Goalkeeper Brad Guzan set a new club playoff record with eight saves, keeping Atlanta in the match until the final whistle.

Match Recap:

Inter Miami started strong, taking the lead in just the second minute of the match. After recovering the ball in Atlanta’s defensive third, Jordi Alba fed Diego Gomez, who set up Luis Suárez for a low, powerful shot that beat Guzan to make it 1-0.

Atlanta’s defense came under intense pressure for the rest of the first half, but Guzan kept them in the game with a series of brilliant saves. In the 26th minute, he stopped a fierce strike from Lionel Messi just outside the box. Minutes later, he denied Messi again, this time from close range, before parrying Marcelo Weigandt’s follow-up shot to keep the scoreline at 1-0.

In the 39th minute, Atlanta finally found their equalizer through Saba Lobjanidze. Pedro Amador created the chance by driving in from the left wing and delivering a perfectly timed pass with the outside of his left foot. Lobjanidze met it with a first-time shot into the far corner, leveling the score and scoring his 10th goal of the season.

Jamal Thiaré had a chance to give Atlanta the lead just before halftime, making a run between Miami’s defenders, but his shot went wide.

Second Half:

The second half saw more injury concerns for Atlanta, who had to make early changes after Brooks Lennon and Stian Gregersen were forced off in the first half. Rob Valentino introduced Tristan Muyumba and Xande Silva after the break to inject more energy into the team.

Despite Guzan’s continued heroics, Miami regained the lead in the 58th minute. Messi’s corner kick found Alba about 30 yards from goal, and the Spanish fullback unleashed a powerful drive into the right corner to make it 2-1.

Guzan made another crucial stop on Messi in the 72nd minute, keeping Atlanta’s hopes alive. Xande Silva came close to leveling the match late, firing a low shot from 20 yards out that barely missed the far post.

Despite pressing late in the match, Atlanta was unable to find another equalizer. They now face a must-win scenario in Game 2 at home.

Following the match, Atlanta United’s Interim Head Coach, Rob Valentino, is eager for the next game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. His message to the fanbase is straightforward and passionate,“To all the people coming to see [Lionel] Messi, that’s fine. I love it. Come see the superstars, but also come see our team fight and compete. These boys aren’t done yet.”

Up Next:  The second game of the series will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 2, at 7:00 p.m. ET (MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, 92.9 The Game, La Mejor Radio).

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