Atlanta United battled back to pick up a crucial point on the road Wednesday night, drawing Inter Miami CF 1-1. Jake Mulraney scored a dramatic 83rd minute equalizer that saw Atlanta erase what appeared to be a devastating Miami goal just three minutes prior. The draw keeps Atlanta above the playoff line with five matches remaining.
Brad Guzan made the first of five key saves in the sixth minute, denying Gonzalo Higuaín from a quick counterattack started by Lewis Morgan. Minutes later, Miles Robinson made a key block in the 14th minute, diving in the way of what appeared to be an open shot on goal from Higuaín.
Things stayed level until the 80th minute, where Atlanta had appeared to be on its way to securing a hard-fought goalless draw. However, Brek Shea finished off a long sequence by hammering home a cross from Morgan to give Inter Miami the lead.
Atlanta quickly answered, though, as Mulraney capped off a brilliant counterattack. Jürgen Damm combined with Cubo Torres to free Damm along the right wing. From there, Damm sped into the box, made a defender miss and squared a ball to a wide-open Mulraney, who beat John McCarthy with a low shot to the goalkeeper’s right.
The match broke wide open for the final eight minutes with each team having a chance to find the game-winner. Ultimately, Atlanta (5-9-4, 19 points) was able to pick up the draw. It returns to action Sunday, Oct. 18 against Toronto FC at Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford, Connecticut (7:30 p.m., FOX Sports Southeast, Sports Radio 92-9 The Game, La Mejor).
-Jon J.
Photo: Courtesy of ATLUTD