Atlanta forces Game 3 against Messi and Inter Miami
Atlanta United and Inter Miami split the first two games of their playoff series, setting up a decisive Game 3 on Monday night.
Atlanta won the first game 3-0, while Miami won the second game 2-1.
Inter Miami took the lead in the second half of the second game, but Atlanta equalized in the 75th minute. Ezequiel Barco scored the game-winning goal in the 86th minute.
Atlanta will host Game 3 on Monday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The winner of the game will advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Atlanta has been one of the best teams in MLS this season, finishing second in the Eastern Conference. Miami is a new team this season, but they have been a surprise, finishing fourth in the Eastern Conference.
The game is sure to be a close one, and it could go either way. Atlanta will be looking to win their first playoff series since 2018, while Miami will be looking to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time.
Here are some of the key storylines to watch for in Game 3:
- Can Atlanta continue their strong play at home? Atlanta has been very good at home this season, going 9-2-5. They will need to continue that strong play in Game 3 if they want to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
- Can Miami continue to surprise? Miami has been a surprise this season, finishing fourth in the Eastern Conference. They will need to continue to play well if they want to upset Atlanta and advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
- Who will step up for Atlanta? Atlanta has a number of players who can step up and make a big play in Game 3. Josef Martinez, Ezequiel Barco, and Pity Martinez are all capable of scoring goals and making big plays.
- Who will step up for Miami? Miami also has a number of players who can step up and make a big play in Game 3. Rodolfo Pizarro, Julian Carranza, and Matias Pellegrini are all capable of scoring goals and making big plays.
The game is sure to be a close one, and it could go either way. Atlanta will be looking to win their first playoff series since 2018, while Miami will be looking to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time.