Everything was on the line for Atlanta United on Saturday as the club hosted No. 1 seed Inter Miami CF in a must-win match in the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Round One Best-of-3 Series. The stakes could not have been higher for the home team, and they responded with unwavering determination, ultimately overcoming the Supporters’ Shield winners with a thrilling 2-1 victory in Game 2, thanks to Xande Silva’s electrifying last-minute goal.
The game-winner arrived in the match’s dying moments. As Atlanta United pressed for the equalizer in stoppage time, looking to end the match in regulation and avoid the heartbreak of penalty kicks, midfielder Alexey Miranchuk won the ball in Atlanta’s defensive half. A rapid-fire combination of passes between Miranchuk, Tristan Muyumba, and Daniel Ríos carved out space at the edge of the box for the dynamic Xande Silva. Demonstrating remarkable composure, the winger deftly took a touch with the outside of his right foot before unleashing a stunning strike into the upper corner of the net, igniting wild celebrations in the packed stands of Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The goal secured the critical win, allowing Atlanta United to extend their thrilling run in the MLS Cup Playoffs, and now the entire series will be determined by an intense Game 3 scheduled for next Saturday, Nov. 9, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. This decisive match will determine which team advances to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
“The way it goes down, it was just wild,” said interim head coach Rob Valentino in his post-match press conference. “I guess that’s our story this year, or maybe every year, I don’t know. We make things interesting, don’t we?” His remarks encapsulated the rollercoaster nature of the match, reflecting both the highs and lows experienced on the pitch.
Around the 25-minute mark, the first half started to shift in Atlanta United’s favor and the home team found some space to create dangerous opportunities. Center back Derrick Williams made an interception in Atlanta’s defensive box that triggered a rapid counterattack. The ball transitioned swiftly up the pitch, with Alexey Miranchuk feeding a pass to starting striker Jamal Thiaré. Although a Miami defender managed to deflect the ball, Thiaré came close to capitalizing, forcing Miami’s defense into action to concede an Atlanta United corner.
The goal was the first of the season for Williams. It was the seventh assist for Amador since arriving to the club this summer.
Guzan entered Saturday leading all MLS goalkeepers with 13 saves in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs, and the veteran goalkeeper made another massive save in the 69th minute, stopping a fierce strike from Suárez at the near post.
Atlanta very nearly found the game-winner in the 89th minute. Off a corner kick, Daniel Ríos, who replaced Thiaré as a second-half substitute, flicked a header far post where Saba had some space. The winger hit a leaning volley that clanged off the crossbar, within inches of a second goal for Atlanta.
Atlanta did well defensively to keep a check on Miami’s talent. Luis Abram, making the start at center back, cleared the ball out of danger in the 18th minute. Dax McCarty, playing the last match of his career at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, made a few clearances, including in the 21st minute, which stopped a Suárez run. In the 27th, Ronald Hernández intercepted a through ball attempt to Lionel Messi.
“Anything you have to do to win the game,” Valentino said. “We did talk, obviously, about tactics. That’s important. But ultimately, then it’s having that belief and playing with intensity. I feel like they showed it and never gave up.”
**Interview with Atlanta United Interim Head Coach Rob Valentino**
**Interviewer:** Rob, congratulations on the thrilling win against Inter Miami CF! Can you take us through the emotions you felt during that final minute?
**Rob Valentino:** Thank you! It was absolutely exhilarating. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric. As the minutes ticked down and we pressed for that equalizer, I felt a mix of tension and hope. When Xande Silva found the back of the net, it was pure relief and joy. The way he executed that shot was just remarkable.
**Interviewer:** Xande’s goal seemed to come at just the right moment. What did you see in that play that set up the winning moment?
**Rob Valentino:** The build-up was a testament to our teamwork and determination. Alexey Miranchuk won the ball back, and the quick combination of passes between him, Tristan Muyumba, and Daniel Ríos was crucial. They carved out space beautifully, and Xande showed incredible composure to finish it off. It’s moments like that that highlight the heart of this team.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned earlier about how this season has been a rollercoaster. Can you elaborate on that a bit?
**Rob Valentino:** Definitely. It feels like every game we’ve had has been filled with ups and downs. We’ve had to fight hard for everything, and that creates a bond among the players. It’s not always the easiest path, but it definitely makes victories like this one feel even sweeter. I guess that’s just part of our story — we make things interesting!
**Interviewer:** Now, with Game 3 looming next Saturday, how will you prepare the team for such a decisive match?
**Rob Valentino:** Our focus will be on recovering well first. It’s crucial, especially after a high-stakes game like last night. We will analyze the footage, identify areas where we can improve, and prepare a game plan tailored for Miami. We’re excited for the challenge and know that the stakes couldn’t be higher.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what message do you have for the fans heading into the decisive third game?
**Rob Valentino:** Our fans have been incredible throughout this journey. Their support fuels us, and we want them to know that we’re giving everything we have to bring home a victory. We will be ready for this challenge, and we hope to see them in Fort Lauderdale—let’s make it a memorable one together!