Atlanta United pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the MLS season, eliminating top-seeded Inter Miami from the 2024 Audi MLS Cup. A 3-2 win in the third match of the best-of-three series cemented an extraordinary achievement-one that punched a spot in the Eastern Conference semifinals for Atlanta, who will take on the fourth-seeded Orlando City SC. What was epic about it, though, was that the Brad Guzan-led Atlanta, spearheaded by one shining light named Jamal Thiaré, had outdone the opposition for a spot among the elite of the season.
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The Great Comeback: Perseverance and Grit
Coming in as the underdog, Atlanta United had to play through the difficulty of a tough matchup against one that many consider one of the most title-ready teams in MLS, Inter Miami. After all, Inter Miami wasn't just the top seed but in possession of the Supporters' Shield, boasting a solid high-performing season. But in sports, it's often not about the stats; it's about grit and determination.
Team captain Brad Guzan caught it: "These past few weeks, something special's been happening in the group-something special in the locker room-a belief, a confidence, and a willingness to help each other out." That belief was driving them minute after minute as Atlanta had that extra drive to resist the pressure of their opponents.
A Game of Goals and Drama
It could not have gotten off to a more frenetic start to the showdown at Chase Stadium. Atlanta came in with a gameplan of keeping the score all square and ratchet up the pressure on Inter Miami, and it was one that held firm until the 17th minute. That was when Miami star Lionel Messi left his mark on the match, directing an effort on goal from the center of the box. Guzan's spectacular save kept the attempt off the board, but the ball landed right at the feet of Matías Rojas, who scored the game's opening goal.
But Atlanta required just over two minutes to level things up. After a well-engineered play, started by a pass from midfielder Dax McCarty, Jamal Thiaré clinically scored. The comeback picked up pace as Thiaré struck again to give Atlanta a 2-1 lead at halftime and suddenly cast them in the role of the unexpected favorite.
Thiaré and McCarty: The Unstoppable Duo
An audience unto himself, Jamal Thiaré said after the game, "I didn't expect this tonight. Of late, I don't have too much luck when it came to scoring, but all fell in place tonight. It's a great memory for me and the team." Irrespective of luck, it was the skill and precision under pressure that made all the difference.
Behind this attacking star was Dax McCarty, whose vision and playmaking ability unraveled the Miami defense. McCarty's passes to Thiaré powered the comeback that showed a rhythm that Miami's defense had no answer for.
Resilience of Miami and Messi's Role
The second half saw Inter Miami come with great energy; Messi nearly drew level in the 52-minute mark with a laser shot. But Guzan was ready to tip it out, and thus Atlanta maintained the lead. Then, finally, in the 65-minute mark, the Argentine found the net as he drew level at 2-2 and thus brought back the hope for the fans of Miami.
Slisz's Decisive Goal
It wasn't over yet, however, with a final twist in the game's script. The 76 saw Saba Lobjanidze power forward and set up Pedro Amador for a cross. That's when Bartosz Slisz stepped up with the decisive goal to make it 3-2 and punch Atlanta's ticket to the semifinals.
To Amador, the play meant more as it was his fourth assist of the postseason and gave the team the needed insurance to put the game away.
Brad Guzan: The Wall in Goal
With seven key saves in this game, Guzan was the true defensive backbone for Atlanta United. It wasn't just that he prevented Inter Miami from stretching their lead; it was how his remarkable performance kept team morale high on the pitch. In very alert and unwavering fashion, Guzan stood as the last line of defense so crucial in keeping Atlanta's MLS Cup hopes alive.
Next Up: Orlando City
Now, Atlanta United looks toward the semifinals, pitted against the fourth-seeded Orlando City SC. This win against Inter Miami places Atlanta in that position, against all expectations, and makes them this year's playoff "Cinderella" team. A match with Orlando-who outdid Charlotte FC and is too in excellent form-promises to be quite an exciting battle.
For many, Atlanta's surprising run is a sort of magic that sports often deliver. Having interim head coach Rob Valentino lead it and being guided by the collective spirit that exists in the team, Atlanta United epitomizes resilience.