Atlanta defeats Messi and Miami in MLS playoffs

On Saturday, Atlanta United defeated Inter Miami 2-1 in a thrilling playoff win, delaying Lionel Messi’s MLS Cup aspirations.

Atlanta’s Portuguese winger Xande Silva scored a stunning goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in front of 68,455 home fans to tie the best-of-three postseason series 1-1 and set up a winner-take-all game three in Miami next Saturday.

Top seeds Miami, 2-1 winners in game one last week, threatened a series triumph after Paraguay international David Martinez took the lead in the 40th minute after former US goalkeeper Brad Guzan made a dreadful mistake.

Guzan was appalled when he botched a basic clearing from his own penalty area, allowing Federico Redondo to cross to Martinez, who scored for 1-0.

However, Atlanta mounted a strong second-half attack to rescue their season, and Derrick Williams’ header equalized in the 58th minute.

After an end-to-end encounter, Atlanta’s Georgian international Saba Lobjanidze nearly scored in the 89th minute, but Miami goalie Drake Callender saved his attempt.

The game looked headed for a penalty shootout when Atlanta made a desperate last raid on the Miami goal. Aleksey Miranchuk found Silva, who scored a winner into the top corner.

“Words can’t describe it, they’re such a resilient group,” Atlanta coach Rob Valentino said after the win.

I told the players before the game that it’s everyone together, not one person. We win when a substitute comes in.”

NY-level series

New York City FC defeated FC Cincinnati 3-1 on Saturday to force a third game in their first-round series.

After a beautiful one-two with Mitja Ilenic, Costa Rican international Alonso Martinez finished low past Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano to give New York the lead on 22 minutes.

A right-wing free-kick confused Cincinnati’s defense, and Brazilian defender Thiago Martins headed in at the back post five minutes before halftime to double New York’s lead.

Argentine forward Luca Orellano nutmegged his man and sent a left-foot drive into the top corner to make it 2-1 for third seeded Cincinnati on 65 minutes.

Zimbabwe international Teenage Hadebe missed a chance to equalize in the 80th minute after shooting at New York goalkeeper Matt Freese. Cincinnati pressed hard for an equalizer.

New York secured the win in stoppage time when Uruguayan midfielder Santiago Rodriguez won a penalty and scored with a chipped ‘panenka’ down the middle. Cincinnati will host series game three next Saturday.