Sun Nov 03 03:44:20 UTC 2024: ## Atlanta United Stuns Inter Miami, Sends Messi’s MLS Cup Hopes to the Brink
**ATLANTA, GEORGIA** – Atlanta United pulled off a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Inter Miami on Saturday night, sending Lionel Messi’s MLS Cup aspirations into jeopardy. The win levelled the best-of-three series at 1-1, setting up a decisive Game 3 in Miami next Saturday.
Miami, the top seeds in the playoffs, looked to be cruising towards victory after David Martinez put them ahead in the 40th minute. The goal came after a shocking blunder by Atlanta’s goalkeeper, Brad Guzan, who allowed Federico Redondo to set up Martinez for an easy finish.
However, Atlanta launched a furious second-half comeback, equalizing through Derrick Williams in the 58th minute. The game remained tense, with both sides creating chances, including a near miss by Saba Lobjanidze in the 89th minute.
The game seemed destined for a penalty shootout until the fourth minute of stoppage time when substitute Xande Silva scored a stunning winner for Atlanta. The Portuguese winger found himself in the right place at the right time and finished with a precise shot into the top corner.
“Words can’t describe it, they’re such a resilient group,” said Atlanta coach Rob Valentino after the win. “I said to the team before the game it’s everybody together, it’s not going to be one person. And then a substitute comes on and wins us the game.”
In other MLS playoff action, New York City FC defeated FC Cincinnati 3-1 to force a decisive game three in their first-round series. New York’s victory came thanks to goals from Alonso Martinez, Thiago Martins, and Santiago Rodriguez, who scored a cheeky ‘panenka’ penalty in stoppage time.
First Piper 