Halloween May Be Over, but the Spooky Season is Far from Over for Inter Miami
Loss to Atlanta United Sends Series Back to Florida
Miami on Saturday lost to Atlanta United 2-1 in Game 2 of their best-of-three first-round series, putting the team on the brink of elimination.
Costly Miscue Proves Costly
After winning Game 1 at home 2-1, Miami had the result flipped back to them by Atlanta despite a costly miscue by the Five Stripes in the first half. Goalkeeper Brad Guzan attempted to dropkick the ball away, but seemed to slip as the ball went off a Miami player. Federico Redondo was there to lay it off to center-back Hector Martinez, who easily put it away into an empty net in the 40th minute.
Atlanta Picked Up the Pace
But Atlanta picked it up after the interval and created the better chances in the first 15 minutes. The momentum flipped back to Miami essentially the rest of the game as Atlanta relied on counters, but Messi and Co. failed to find the goal that would’ve sealed the series to provide the team with extra rest.
Miranchuk Seals the Deal
Veteran forward Aleksey Miranchuk found Xande Silva for a thumping goal in the fourth of five added minutes. Silva had just come off the bench in the 89th minute. He received a yellow card for his celebration.
Series Heads to Miami, But Inter Miami’s Season May be on the Brink of Ending
Miami had the better expected goals at 1.48 to 0.95 with both teams having two big chances, via FotMob. But the typically clinical Miami side just couldn’t get the job done. Sergio Busquets did not play for Miami due to illness.
Game 3 Set for Saturday
Game 3 in Miami is set for Saturday, November 3 at 8 p.m. ET. No. 9 Atlanta will look for the stunning upset while top-seeded Miami will seek to advance and play the winner of No. 4 Orlando City or No. 5 Charlotte FC.
Orlando and Charlotte to Play for a Spot in the Next Round
Orlando and Charlotte will also compete in a Game 3 after the latter forced it with a penalty shootout win in Game 2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the score in Game 2 of the series?
A: Atlanta United won 2-1.
Q: Why was Sergio Busquets not playing for Miami?
A: Sergio Busquets was not playing for Miami due to illness.
Q: How did the series get to Game 3?
A: Miami lost Game 2 to Atlanta, sending the series to a deciding third game in Miami.
Q: Who won the penalty shootout in Game 2 between Orlando and Charlotte?
A: Charlotte won the penalty shootout in Game 2.
