ATL Standard

Atlanta United delivered a stunning performance on Saturday night, defeating Inter Miami CF 3-2 in the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. The victory at Chase Stadium marked an upset against the Supporters’ Shield winners and secured Atlanta's place in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

The match was part of the Round One Best-of-3 Series, with Atlanta advancing to face Orlando City SC, who won against Charlotte FC earlier that evening. Despite being ranked ninth, Atlanta's triumph over top-seeded Miami is considered one of the biggest upsets in MLS Cup Playoff history, as Miami finished 34 points ahead during the regular season.

Captain Brad Guzan expressed pride in his team's spirit: "The last couple of weeks, there's something special in the group...it's belief, it's confidence." Interim head coach Rob Valentino noted their growing confidence: "They've got some internal belief right now."

Miami opened scoring through Matías Rojas after a blocked shot from Lionel Messi. However, Jamal Thiaré quickly equalized for Atlanta and scored again two minutes later to give them a 2-1 lead. Thiaré reflected on his performance: "Lately, I hadn't been very lucky with my goal-scoring opportunities...It's a fantastic memory for myself and for the team."

Messi brought Miami level again with a header in the second half. But Bartosz Slisz scored the decisive goal for Atlanta in the 76th minute following Pedro Amador's assist.

Valentino emphasized teamwork post-match: "We have to do this together...you can't have passengers." The win required strong defense from Atlanta against star players like Messi and Luis Suárez. Guzan made several crucial saves throughout the match.

Atlanta United has now survived four elimination games since Decision Day. Midfielder Dax McCarty praised their resilience: "A lot of teams could fold...but we're rising to the occasion."

The team is just two wins away from reaching the MLS Cup Finals.