Atlanta United pulled off a surprising 3-2 victory over Inter Miami, ending Miami’s playoff hopes and eliminating Lionel Messi from the MLS postseason. In this intense decider, held in Fort Lauderdale, Jamal Thiaré scored twice for Atlanta, securing their lead. Although Messi managed to equalize with a header, Bartosz Slisz's late goal sealed the win for Atlanta, clinching the series and propelling them to the semifinals.
With this victory, Atlanta United advances to the Eastern Conference semifinals, where they’ll face Orlando City in a single-elimination match. The game promises to be a high-stakes clash as Atlanta continues their playoff journey. On the other hand, Orlando City advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals, clinching the series 2-1. They advanced after winning their first-round best-of-three series against Charlotte FC, ultimately clinching their spot by winning the deciding third game in a dramatic penalty shootout.
The last time Atlanta United reached the Eastern Conference semi-finals (or further) in the MLS playoffs was in 2019. That season, they advanced past the first round and went to the Eastern Conference Finals, where Toronto FC ultimately defeated them. Since then, Atlanta United has not progressed beyond the first round. Orlando City is hungry for their first title and last reached the MLS Cup Eastern Conference semi-finals in 2023. They enjoyed a strong season, setting a franchise record for most points in the regular season. Still, their journey ended with a 2-0 loss to Columbus Crew in the semi-finals, cutting short their ambitions for a deeper playoff run.
Will it be Rob Valentino or will he be robbed?
Before joining Atlanta United in 2018, Rob Valentino had a diverse background in coaching and playing. Here are the key positions he held prior to his time at Atlanta. New England Revolution: Valentino began his professional coaching career in 2016 as an assistant coach for the New England Revolution's USL affiliate, the Rochester Rhinos. This experience helped him develop his coaching skills at a professional level. Playing Career: Valentino had a solid playing career, primarily in Major League Soccer. He played as a central defender for several teams, including the New England Revolution (where he also played before transitioning to coaching) and stints with the Chicago Fire and Seattle Sounders FC. His playing experience at the MLS level gave him a solid understanding of the league's dynamics.
Rob Valentino joined Atlanta United as an assistant coach in 2018, shortly after the team’s inaugural season. He spent several years on the staff, focusing on defensive coaching player development and assisting in tactical planning under various head coaches, including Tata Martino and Frank de Boer.
These experiences helped Valentino transition into his coaching role at Atlanta United, where he became an important figure as an assistant coach and, later, interim head coach. His playing background and earlier coaching roles contributed significantly to his development as a coach at the MLS level.
Valentino's deep involvement with the team’s development and his ability to connect with players helped him transition smoothly to interim head coach in 2021 after Gabriel Heinze’s dismissal. His long tenure as an assistant allowed him to gain extensive knowledge of the club's system, which has been valuable in his coaching roles. During his first interim tenure, Valentino led the team for nine matches in Major League Soccer (MLS), with four wins, two draws and three losses.
His leadership brought some stability and energy back to the squad. Under his guidance, the team showed a more attacking style and more potent chemistry, which earned him praise from players and fans. However, a relatively short stint, his positive influence and the team's improved performances contributed to their eventual playoff qualification that season after Gonzalo Pineda took over as the full-time head coach.
Rob Valentino’s second stint as interim coach has been nothing but magical. Since Gonzalo Pineda departed from Atlanta United in early June 2024, Rob Valentino has served as the interim head coach, with his first match taking place on June 15, 2024, against Houston Dynamo, which ended in a 2-2 draw. As of that date, Valentino has been guiding the team through thick and thin. During that period, Rob Valentino took charge of 22 Major League Soccer matches, winning eight, Drew seven and losing seven. This run has placed Atlanta United firmly at the doorstep of another championship with just two wins away. The question, however, still lingers in the air: should he be the man to move the club forward, or should Atlanta United look elsewhere?
Some arguments put Valentino in the driver's seat. Valentino is well-liked by the players and has been praised for his leadership as interim head coach. He understands the team’s culture and has the respect of the locker room, which is crucial for maintaining morale and cohesion. Valentino’s tenure as interim coach in 2021 showed that he could adapt to managing a team in crisis. His leadership helped stabilize the squad and led to a more cohesive and competitive style of play. Lastly, having been with the club for several years, Valentino understands Atlanta United's style, philosophy, and objectives, which can translate into a smooth transition if appointed permanently.
Though the positives outnumber the negatives, there are still some questions that the board will face that they might need urgent answers to. Although Valentino has shown potential, he lacks extensive experience as a head coach at the top level. Not having that extensive experience might be a concern for some, as Atlanta United could seek someone with a proven track record at the highest levels of competition. As the team aims to re-establish itself as a championship contender, the club might feel that a more experienced coach with a history of success, particularly in international or top-tier leagues, could better align with their long-term ambitions. Ultimately, if Atlanta United is focused on continuity and maintaining internal stability, Valentino's candidacy could be vital . However, they may seek other candidates if they are looking for a coach with more extensive tactical expertise and a proven track record in international football.
Externally, notable candidates include Patrick Vieira, who has shown interest in the position. Vieira has MLS experience with New York City FC, and his name has been frequently mentioned in connection with Atlanta's coaching vacancy. Another candidate, Jim Curtin of Philadelphia Union, was approached but reportedly declined an interview. Curtin has been a stable figure in the league but opted to remain with Philadelphia due to personal and professional connections.
However, whoever is placed at the helm to lead the charge, the Five Stripes board and fans will be behind him with full support. Valentino's record and the team's play style during his interim period have kept him in the conversation as a potential candidate for future head coaching opportunities.