Atlanta United Upsets Top-Seeded Inter Miami CF with Dramatic 3-2 Win to Reach Eastern Conference Semifinals

In a captivating Game 3 of the Round One Best-of-3 series, Atlanta United secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over top-seeded Inter Miami CF at Chase Stadium on Saturday night. The win sends Atlanta to its first playoff series triumph in five years, booking them a spot in the Eastern Conference Semifinals against Orlando City SC on Nov. 24.

Atlanta United’s Bartosz Slisz delivered the game-winning goal in the 76th minute, elevating his side with a powerful header that marked his first goal of the playoffs. The electric atmosphere at Chase Stadium was matched by a high-intensity performance on the field as both teams engaged in end-to-end action.

First Half: Early Drama and Guzan’s Heroics

Atlanta generated the game’s first dangerous chance in the 15th minute when Alexey Miranchuk delivered a pinpoint diagonal pass to Pedro Amador. Amador’s cross found Jamal Thiaré, whose near-post shot rattled off the woodwork. Despite the early Atlanta pressure, Miami struck first, with Matias Rojas capitalizing on a Brad Guzan rebound to put the visitors up 1-0 in the 17th minute.

Atlanta wasted no time in responding, leveling the score just two minutes later. Veteran midfielder Dax McCarty slipped a through ball between Miami defenders, and Thiaré dispatched a first-time shot into the top corner.

The 21st minute saw Atlanta execute a clinical counterattack in six passes. Ronald Hernández’s interception kickstarted the move, and McCarty’s deft ball found Miranchuk, who skillfully teed up Thiaré for his second goal of the night. Atlanta seized the lead and entered halftime up 2-1, thanks to Guzan’s vital saves, including a diving stop against Lionel Messi in the 34th minute and another acrobatic denial of Luis Suarez in stoppage time.

Second Half: Miami’s Equalizer and Slisz’s Winner

Inter Miami emerged determined, with Messi and Jordi Alba testing Guzan early in the second half. Their pressure finally paid off in the 65th minute, as Messi headed a Marcelo Weigandt cross into the net, knotting the game at 2-2.

Atlanta, however, remained composed and deadly on the counter. Pedro Amador, given space on the left, found Slisz with a pinpoint cross. Rising above the Miami defenders, Slisz headed the ball powerfully into the net, putting Atlanta up 3-2. Amador’s assist marked his fourth consecutive game with a playoff assist, highlighting his vital role in Atlanta’s attack.

As Miami pushed forward in search of an equalizer, Guzan stood firm, adding to his seven total saves on the night and ensuring Atlanta’s lead remained intact.

Coach Valentino’s Pride in His Team

Interim Head Coach Rob Valentino expressed immense pride in his players, acknowledging the challenges they have faced this season. “When I sit there and I reflect on what the season has been for them, it’s been really difficult, and they keep showing up,” Valentino said. “That’s what my message has been to them about continuing to show up the next day, do your job, no matter if it’s been good, bad, indifferent. You have to show up and do the work. So I’m really proud of them.”

Looking Ahead: The Road to Orlando

With the win, Atlanta United advances to face Orlando City SC in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The matchup will take place on Nov. 24 at 3:30 p.m. ET, available on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV, 92.9 The Game, and La Mejor. The stakes are high as the playoffs shift to single-elimination format, adding extra pressure and excitement as Atlanta looks to continue its playoff journey.