Crisis continues as Atlanta United drops a third straight match, losing to Inter Miami, led by two goals from Josef Martinez.
Starting XI
Atlanta United (4-2-3-1): Quentin Westberg; Andrew Gutman, Juanjo Purata, Miles Robinson (C), Brooks Lennon; Santiago Sosa, Amar Sejdić, Thiago Almada, Caleb Wiley, Derrick Etienne Jr.; Machop Chol
Inter Miami CF (4-2-3-1): Drake Callender; DeAndre Yedlin, Serhiy Kryvtsov, Kamal Miller, Franco Negri; Dixon Arroyo, David Ruiz, Corentin Jean, Benjamin Cremaschi, Nicolás Stefanelli; Leonardo Campana
As expected, following a stretch of less-than-stellar play, compounded by injuries, alterations were made to the lineup. Most notably, Luiz Araújo was dropped to the bench in favor of Derrick Etienne on the right wing. After starting the last two league matches on the bench, Amar Sejdić began in the midfield trio. Quentin Westberg made his third start for the club after returning from injury.
First Half
The match began with each team unable to garner any control. Both teams had trouble settling into the match. Much of the play was sloppy without any defined possession. Neither team recorded a shot in the first 15 minutes.
It was Atlanta United that gained a footing in the match first. Etienne, Thiago Almada, and Machop Chol found themselves on the end of chances but could not capitalize. Chol had the better of the chances but put a point-blank header over the crossbar.
The pressure continued to mount with Atlanta on the gas pedal. Brooks Lennon found himself in an attacking position and played a pass into the box that connected with Almada’s foot but was too strong to be controlled. There was also a penalty shout for a potential handball.
The final 15 minutes of the half were dominated by Inter Miami. All 7 of their shots in the half came in the final 15 minutes.
A backpass gone awry from Santiago Sosa set Benjami Cremaschi through on goal. He was closed down but Leo Campana was first to the loose ball and attempted to chip Westberg. Westberg recovered and easily caught the shot.
Cremaschi nearly found the opener again as he was unmarked at the front post for a corner. A whipping cross found his head but his attempt was off target. After starting the first half in a lull, each team came to life but survived each other’s chances.
Second Half
The second half began without any substitutions from either team. The second half also began in a similar manner as the first.
The dynamic of the match changed in the 57th minute. The moment that had been anticipated all season finally became a reality as Josef Martinez took the pitch. Ft. Lauderdale became Hollywood as all eyes turned to Martinez. What ensued was Hollywood indeed.
Following a corner defended by Atlanta, Chol followed the loose ball, closing out on David Ruiz. As Ruiz played a pass, Chol clattered into Ruiz inside the box and the referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot.
After being on the pitch for less than a minute, Martinez stood over the ball 12 yards from goal. With his first touch of the game, Martinez put his shot into the back of the net for the opener and his first goal of the season (0-1 Martinez 59′).
Following the goal, Pineda made two substitutions looking to get his side back in the game. Araújo entered for Etienne and Miguel Berry entered for Chol.
Inter Miami responded by bringing on a third center back, Ryan Sailor. Miami assumed a defensive posture characteristic of them this season when they tried to hold a lead. As Atlanta pressed for a goal, Miami took advantage and doubled their lead.
DeAndre Yedlin picked up the ball on the right flank and cut inside Andrew Gutman. He made his way to the edge of the box before playing a ball into the box connecting with Martinez darting into the box. It only took a subtle touch from Martinez to direct the ball around Westberg as he closed out the attacker (0-2 Martinez 75′).
After this goal, Pineda made a change again bringing Ronald Hernandez into the game pushing Lennon higher up the pitch. Following a studs-up challenge on Sosa and a VAR review, Franco Negri received a red card opening the match-up for Atlanta.
Atlanta pressed for a goal and pulled one back in stoppage time. From a corner, Lennon found Gutman at the near post who made no mistake in heading the ball across goal into the side netting (1-2 Gutman 90+2′).
Despite their best efforts, Atlanta United was unable to find the equalizer and all 3 points stayed with Inter Miami. Atlanta United returns home to face Charlotte FC in Matchday 12.
Matchday 11: Atlanta United 1 (Gutman 90+2′) – Inter Miami CF 2 (Martinez 59′, 75′)
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