Atlanta United secured their place in the MLS Conference semi-finals with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Inter Miami, eliminating Lionel Messi’s side in a high-stakes showdown on Saturday night. Led by an inspired performance from Jamal Thiaré, whose quickfire double turned the tide, Atlanta overcame an early deficit to advance.
The victory at Chase Stadium was a hard-fought one, as Atlanta had previously lost the first match in the series 2-1.
This second-leg win not only leveled the series but also propelled Atlanta to the semi-finals of the Eastern Conference, where they will face Orlando City on November 24.
In a match that kept fans on edge from start to finish, Inter Miami struck first.
In the 17th minute, a deflected shot from Lionel Messi was pounced upon by Matias Rojas, who slotted the ball home to give Miami a 1-0 lead.
However, Atlanta responded almost immediately, with Thiaré turning the game around in spectacular fashion.
Thiaré’s equalizer came in the 19th minute, with the Senegalese forward expertly converting a well-placed pass into the box.
Just two minutes later, he struck again, latching onto a cross to slot the ball past Miami’s goalkeeper and put Atlanta ahead 2-1.
The rapid brace underscored Thiaré’s sharp instincts and provided the momentum Atlanta needed to seize control.
Despite Atlanta’s advantage, Inter Miami refused to relent, with Messi pushing forward tirelessly.
In the 65th minute, Messi connected with a well-timed cross, sending a powerful header into the net and leveling the score at 2-2.
The match hung in the balance, but Atlanta would have the final say.
In the 76th minute, Atlanta midfielder Bartosz Slisz rose above Miami’s defense to head in a corner kick, restoring Atlanta’s lead at 3-2.
The goal was met with raucous applause from the home crowd as Slisz’s header proved to be the decisive strike, sending Atlanta through to the next round of the playoffs.
For Atlanta United, this result is a testament to their resilience.
The Five Stripes finished ninth in the Eastern Conference during the regular season, only just securing a playoff spot.
However, with Thiaré’s remarkable display and a team-wide determination, they have now set their sights on a deeper playoff run.
As they prepare to face Orlando City in the Conference semi-finals, Atlanta will hope to build on this momentum.
Thiaré’s standout performance has sparked hope among Atlanta supporters that the team can continue defying expectations in the postseason.
THAT’S TWO FOR THIARÉ 🎯🎯#UniteThe404 x #MLSCupPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/Hejjvm0E3p
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) November 10, 2024
