Inter Miami CF looked on their way to a win that would've vaulted them into playoff position when they scored a breakthrough goal with just 10 minutes remaining, only for visiting Atlanta United to equalize minutes later on their only shot on target in a 1-1 draw in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday night.
It was all Miami in the first half, but Gonzalo Higuaín, Lewis Morgan and the rest of the attack were regularly foiled by strong defending (including a diving block by Miles Robinson on an Higuain shot) or excellent goalkeeping by Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan. Higuain took seven shots and put three on target in the first 45 minutes, while Atlanta didn’t register a single shot on goal in the opening stanza.
In the second half, Inter Miami continued to get shots off, but they couldn't find the back of the net and it was beginning to look like the night might finish in a scoreless draw.
But then Brek Shea subbed on and his fresh legs helped get Inter Miami on the board the 80th minute, as he slotted the ball inside the near post on a spectacular volley to finish a pinpoint Morgan cross from the right.
Just when it looked like Miami got the only goal they would need in this one, Atlanta found an equalizer three minutes later through Jake Mulraney. Winger Jurgen Damm brought the ball up the right side, tripping up a Miami defender and crossing the ball between two more to find Mulraney in the box and help secure a point for the road side.
Goals
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: Both sides need points, as Atlanta are barely hanging onto their playoff position in the East and Inter Miami are looking to make the jump above the playoff line. A draw tonight doesn’t change anything position-wise, but it extends the expansion side’s unbeaten streak to three matches as they look to be hitting their stride with Higuain and Morgan leading the way in attack.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: After 80 scoreless minutes, Inter Miami's Brek Shea came off the bench and got another goal against his former club.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Brad Guzan finished the night with 5 saves to keep his side in the match and make sure Atlanta United didn’t go home empty-handed.
Next Up
- MIA: Saturday, October 17 at Montreal Impact (7 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+, CBS4 Miami in US; TSN 1/4, TVA Sports in Canada)
- ATL: Sunday, October 18 at Toronto FC (7:30 pm ET | TMLS LIVE on ESPN+, FOX Sports Southeast in US; SN 1/4 in Canada)
