Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United: MLS Cup Playoff Preview
Inter Miami is poised to secure their first-ever MLS Cup playoff series win as they travel to Atlanta United with a 1-0 lead in their Round One matchup. After a thrilling 2-1 victory in the first game of this best-of-three series, thanks to goals from Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba, the Herons need just one more win to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Lionel Messi is eager to score his first playoff goal, but Atlanta United is determined to fight back. Alba’s stunning late goal in Game One marked Miami’s first victory over Atlanta in three meetings this season, as they have faced tough competition from the Five Stripes.
Atlanta United will be battling for their playoff lives, motivated by the new playoff format that guarantees them at least one home game.
Team News
Atlanta United faces a significant setback with the news that Edwin Mosquera is likely out for the remainder of the playoffs due to knee surgery. Additionally, injuries to Brooks Lennon and Stian Gregersen from the first leg leave their participation in doubt. Lennon suffered a dislocated shoulder, making it challenging to replace his contributions as the team’s minutes leader, while Gregersen is dealing with a hamstring injury.
Projected Atlanta United Starting Lineup (4-5-1): Guzan (GK) — R. Hernandez, Cobb, D. Williams, Amador — Lobzhanidze, McCarty, Miranchuk, Slisz, Fortune — Thiare.
On the other hand, Inter Miami also dealt with a defensive injury in the first leg. While there were concerns that Ian Fray had sustained a severe fourth ACL tear, reports indicate he has only an MCL injury, which will keep him out for the rest of the season but will not affect his 2025 campaign. Overall, Inter Miami is in good shape, although they will be without Nicolas Freire and Facundo Farias, who are recovering from ACL injuries, as well as David Ruiz (hamstring tear) and Leo Afonso (groin injury).
Projected Inter Miami Starting Lineup (4-3-3): Callender (GK) — Weigandt, Aviles, D. Martinez, Alba — Bright, Busquets, Redondo — Messi, Suarez, D. Gomez.
As both teams prepare for this crucial playoff encounter, fans can expect an intense battle at Mercedes-Benz Stadium as Inter Miami aims to clinch their spot in the next round.
