Atlanta United has completely shaken up the MLS Cup Playoff bracket, upending Inter Miami 3-2 at Beckham’s house. The lopsided, comeback victory on the road will see the Five Stripes advance to play Eastern Conference rival Orlando City SC.
Jamal Thiaré was close to giving Atlanta the early lead in the 14th minute but his effort went off the post. Just three minutes later, Inter Miami would make them pay for their mistake, taking the lead with a goal from Matías Rojas. Lionel Messi had a clean hit on a one-time shot that Brad Guzan was able to save. Lurking by the near post was Rojas, ready and waiting to pounce. As the stadium erupted, the momentum was visibly in Miami’s favor.
I’m really proud of them, not just in these three games, just in general.”
Atlanta United interim head coach Rob Valentino on how proud he is of the team
That momentum wouldn’t last long as Thiaré went on a tear. After missing the chance to give Atlanta the early lead, the Frenchman was able to snag two goals in quick succession. Diego Gomez was thought to have brought the match level in the 24th minute but VAR determined he was offside. Atlanta would go into the break up 2-1.
In the 51st minute, Messi, who has perfected the lob pass, did one from about 10 yards out from the far post and found Jordi Alba. Alba’s headed attempt was saved by Brad Guzan and deflected to the feet of Luis Suárez. To the chagrin of the Uruguayan, the angle that he would be afforded was too tight to get a shot off so the ball rolled out for a corner.
How somebody the size of Messi was able to get past Ronald Hernández and out-jump Stian Gregersen I’ll never know but it happened. The 6ft. 3in. Norwegian defender was caught sleeping as Messi penetrated the keeper’s box and sent a header past Guzan to level the match 2-2. Tempers flared for a moment after Guzan was flung into the back of the net where Suarez was there to taunt him. Thankfully, things didn’t boil over.
In the 76th minute, Miami was caught sleeping in a moment they hoped to forget. With a player down “injured” the players waved to the ref to stop play. Without a whistle Atlanta played on, catching a whopping six Miami defenders in the box sleeping. Noticing that, Pedro Amador gathered possession just outside the 18 and sent a beautiful curled long ball to the far post. Waiting for him was an unmarked Bartosz Slisz who seemed to be floating in the air, salivating at the chance to head in the winning goal, and did.
I would love to say something fancy and say I’m a tactical genius or something like that, but I’m not, and that’s not the way I coach.”
Atlanta United interim head coach Rob Valentino post-match
On Sunday, Nov. 24, No. 9 ranked Atlanta United will travel to Orlando to face Orlando City SC in the Easter Conference Semifinals of the MLS Cup Playoffs. The match will kickoff at 3:40pm/ET and be seen on MLS Season Pass, FS1, FOX Deportes, TSN, and RDS.
-Jon Jones
Photos: Courtesy of ATLUTD