Inter Miami appeared to have ran out of steam in their 3-1 defeat to Atlanta United in Major League Soccer action.
Everything was set up for the south Florida side to take the pitch and collect three points to continue their charge for the Supporters’ Shield. Miami were at home in front of their supporters and welcomed back the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets into the lineup after the trio were rested over the weekend vs Vancouver Whitecaps.
However, Miami were outmatched on the night against a struggling Atlanta side that last on a league match on March 31. A brace from Saba Lobjanidze nearly killed off the Herons before Messi pulled on back one hour into the contest. Jamal Thiare’s late tap-in put Atlanta in front with a commanding 3-1 lead, and there was simply no coming back in this one for Gerardo’ Tata’ Martino’s side.
In Miami’s previous matches, the team has comeback after conceding the first goal, typically in convincing fashion. The Herons’ victories over New York Red Bulls and New England Revolution are perfect examples of this.
What wasn’t perfect in those performances, though, was the Miami defense. Several times, even after Miami were well on their way to three points, the opposing side would find themselves creating numerous chances but for one reason or another couldn’t put them in the back of the net.
That’s where Atlanta come into play. The Five Stripes didn’t allow Miami to ride their luck in the second half, and even though the hosts recorded the lion’s share of possession, Atlanta dominated in xG (3.51 to .80), total shots (23 to four), and big chances (four to one).
While Miami may have been able to squeak out a win in previous matches thanks to a little bit of luck from the opposing teams and some genius from Messi and Co., the likes of Thiago Almada, Thiare and Lobjanidze denied the Herons a comeback win in midweek action.
There were several occasions where Atlanta probably should’ve scored another goal or two, but it won’t matter in the end as Gonzalo Pineda’s side left south Florida with all three points.
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