ATLANTA (AP) – In a thrilling climax to Saturday night’s showdown, Xande Silva netted a dramatic goal in stoppage time, steering Atlanta United to a 2-1 victory over Inter Miami. The win not only leveled the best-of-three MLS playoff series at one game apiece but also left a stamp of resilience on the ninth-seeded Atlanta side at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
With the clock ticking down, Silva unleashed a powerful right-footed strike, sending the ball soaring into the top left corner of the net, leaving Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender with no chance. His celebration was one for the ages, as he tore off his shirt and revelled in the adoration of the 68,455-strong crowd, who erupted in jubilation.
Earlier in the match, Lionel Messi had seemingly put Miami ahead, but his goal was disallowed for offside, much to the dismay of the visiting fans. Atlanta, refusing to let the near-miss dampen their spirits, launched a counterattack that culminated in Silva’s sensational winner.
Trailing 1-0 at halftime due to a mistake by veteran keeper Brad Guzan, Atlanta United showcased their tenacity. Guzan’s error came in the 40th minute when, after confidently gathering a cross, he stumbled while preparing to clear the ball. Inter Miami’s Federico Redondo seized on the opportunity, poking the ball to David Martínez, who deftly lifted it over four defenders into the empty net.
Despite the setback, Atlanta did not wilt; in the 58th minute, Derrick Williams leveled the score. Following a corner kick that Miami managed to clear, Pedro Amador sent a well-placed cross back into the box. Williams showcased his aerial prowess, diving to connect with a header that sailed past Callender, bringing the game back on even terms.
In the closing minutes, Messi’s frustration grew as he failed to convert several promising opportunities, including a wild shot that soared over the bar in the 83rd minute while Miami pushed for the decisive goal. He left the pitch rubbing his beard, visibly annoyed by his inability to find the net.
Atlanta almost snatched the lead in the 89th minute when Saba Lobjanidze’s thunderbolt struck the crossbar, with Bartosz Slisz unable to convert the rebound, firing it agonisingly high.
But Silva’s late intervention made sure Atlanta would not be denied. With the series now tied, the teams are set for a decisive Game 3 next Saturday in South Florida, where Atlanta will look to pull off a remarkable upset against Messi’s star-studded Miami team, who finished the regular season with the league’s best record, a whopping 34 points ahead of the United.
The winner of the upcoming clash will advance to the conference semifinals, where they will face either Orlando or Charlotte, who are also locked in a 1-1 deadlock.
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