Atlanta United hosts Inter Miami in Game 2 of the Best-of-3 series in the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium at 7:00 p.m. This is a must win match for the Five Stripes if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive and force a Game 3. Here are some important things to keep in mind when going into the match:
Rested and Ready
Entering Game 1, the Five Stripes have played three games in seven days. Atlanta fought hard in the first game at Chase Stadium, but were unable to secure the win on the road.
“We’ve got to keep our heads up, you’ve got to go again. I think I mentioned a week ago, I think before the Montréal game, we’ve had our backs against the wall for quite some time now. When our backs have been against the wall, we’ve found a way,” said Brad Guzan after the 2-1 loss last Friday. “Our backs are against the wall now, we’ve got to go into Game 2 and we’ve got to win. Plain and simple. That’s all we can do. We’ve got to rest, we’ve got to recover and then we’ve got to prepare to go again.”
Atlanta was able to rest and recover and are now ready to face Inter Miami. This rest was definitely needed, especially heading into this match. “It’s definitely needed,” said Alexey Miranchuk when asked how the team feels after getting a few days of rest and that the team is ready for Saturday.
Last time Miami was at the Benz
It was a 2-2 draw back on September 18 the last time Inter Miami was in Atlanta. The Benz was electric and this match might exceed that energy. Atlanta is 4-0-1 in five playoff matches that have been played at the Benz with full venue capacity.
“We're exactly where we wanted to be, we wanted to be in the playoffs. We wanted to be fighting to stay alive,” said Rob Valentino when he spoke to the media on Thursday. “We know we're playing against a fantastic team, but we're really looking forward to the challenge on Saturday in front of our home fans. That’s a big boost for everybody.”
Availability Report for Atlanta
In the last match, Brooks Lennon sustained a shoulder injury and had surgery this week for it. He will not be available for the match. Stian Gregersen also felt some tightness in his hamstring in the match and was subbed out early. He is listed as questionable for the match as Rob Valentino told media on Thursday that he is day-to-day.
Be Rowdy and Proud Atlanta
The Five Stripes will be able to play in front of over 70,000 fans on Saturday and they will play a huge factor in this match.The Five Stripes will feed off of the energy from the 17s, so let's pack the Benz and show up for Atlanta. For the 404.
“This is what we need,” Miranchuk said. “[It’s] Not every game you play against this team. The stadium is going to be full. 70,000 behind our back. We need them. Looking forward to it.”
Be Atlanta
Inter Miami is the best team in MLS, but Atlanta needs to play their own game and not play to Miami. Come out strong and stay focused in those first few minutes of the match.
“We know who we are. We know the quality we have,” said Ronald Hernendez. “We also know sometimes we don’t need the ball to control the game, so I think if you put these pieces together and everyone is on the same page, we will have a beautiful night.”
You can watch the match on MLS Season Pass or you can listen to the match on 92.9 the Game or the Audacy app with pregame coverage starting at 6:00 p.m.
✍️: Madison Crews
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