Atlanta United forward Jamal Thiaré #29 during the match against the Inter Miami at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on Saturday November 2, 2024. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta United)

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Atlanta United’s Dramatic Comeback Forces Decisive Third Game Against Inter Miami

By Yakiri Thomas / November 3, 2024

In a thrilling MLS playoff match before a massive crowd of 68,455—the fifth largest in league postseason history—Atlanta United kept their playoff dreams alive with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Inter Miami in Game 2 of their MLS Cup Playoff series at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The win leveled the series at 1-1, setting up a pivotal third match to determine which team will advance.

Reflecting on Atlanta’s perseverance in their playoff run, Interim Head Coach Rob Valentino expressed confidence while emphasizing that the job is far from over. “I don’t want to put the cart before the horse because the job is not done, right, but we’ve had that mentality for a long time,” he remarked, hinting at the team’s resilient mindset this season.

The game kicked off with high energy from both sides, but Atlanta faced an early challenge. A miscue by goalkeeper Brad Guzan allowed Inter Miami to capitalize and take the lead, putting Atlanta on the back foot. Rather than faltering, Atlanta used the setback as fuel, rallying with an aggressive drive to equalize.

Their efforts paid off when Derrick Williams found the back of the net, igniting the home crowd and swinging the momentum in Atlanta’s favor. Inter Miami, however, continued to press and even put the ball in the net again, only for the goal to be overturned due to an offside call.

The game’s defining moment arrived in stoppage time. With the crowd on the edge of their seats, Xande Silva. After winning a crucial challenge in midfield, Atlanta executed a series of sharp, one-touch passes that sliced through Miami’s defense. The play culminated with Miranchuk sliding a perfectly timed pass to Silva at the top of the box. The Portuguese winger took a controlled touch before unleashing a powerful right-footed shot that soared into the upper left corner of the net.

Silva was undaunted by Inter Miami’s roster, which includes World Cup winners, when asked about the upcoming challenge. “We don’t care about that,” Silva stated. “When we are on the pitch we don’t think about that. World Cup is a national team. They’re not playing a national team. It’s 11 men against 11 men, and it’s our job.”

Atlanta’s comeback showcased their resilience and refusal to back down under pressure, setting up an eagerly anticipated finale. With the series now tied, the stage is set for an epic showdown as both teams prepare to battle for a place in the next round.

Next Up: Game 3 is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 9, at Chase Stadium, with kickoff at 8:00 p.m. ET.

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