Atlanta United claimed a thrilling 2-1 victory over Inter Miami on Saturday in the second game of their MLS playoff series, with Xande Silva netting the game-winner in the fourth minute of stoppage time. The dramatic win, in front of a packed Mercedes-Benz Stadium crowd of 68,455, forced a decisive third game in Miami on November 9.
Inter Miami initially looked set for a series victory after taking a 1-0 lead in the 40th minute. Former U.S. goalkeeper Brad Guzan misfired a clearance, giving Federico Redondo an opening to set up David Martinez, who slotted the ball into an empty net. However, Atlanta’s Derrick Williams equalized in the 58th minute with a powerful header, sparking an intense, end-to-end battle. Saba Lobjanidze came close to putting Atlanta ahead in the 89th minute, only for Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender to tip his shot onto the crossbar.
With the game on the verge of a penalty shootout, substitute Aleksey Miranchuk set up Silva, who fired a stunning winner into the top corner. “Words can’t describe it,” Atlanta coach Rob Valentino said. “It’s everybody together, and then a substitute comes on and wins us the game.”
