Atlanta United beat Eastern Conference leaders Inter Miami FC 3-1.

After going winless in their last nine games, Atlanta United is getting back into the win column in exciting fashion. With a dominant 3-1 victory, they defeated the current Eastern Conference leaders, Inter Miami FC, and secured their 100th victory in the club’s history.

“For me it was a great sign of a good mentality for the team,” said head coach Gonzalo Pineda in the post-match press conference. “But it’s also a reward for the fans. What I really liked today was that the corner near the back of the goal was completely filled by our fans. They came here to try to motivate the players.”

Early on, Atlanta United looked to break down Miami’s formation, with Miami third in the league in possession. The 5 bands had a few chances in the final third from the start. In the 10^th minute, Brooks Lennon’s shot from the right side of the box but it went just to the far left of the net.

Josh Cohen, making his first MLS start for Atlanta, made a diving save in the 20th minute, but the play still went offside. Atlanta’s set pieces were dangerous in the first half. In the 30^th minute, from a corner, Jamal Thiare and Derrick Williams both managed to create scoring opportunities directly in the box.

The match opened as the first half continued. Thiago Almada, who wore the captain’s armband for this match, had a good look as he fired a shot from the right side of the area. Atlanta, despite being on the other side of the possession numbers, managed to keep the game in their favor. The three central defenders – Stian Gregersen, Derrick Williams and Luis Abram – all played a part in reducing Miami’s chances.

Atlanta got on the board first thanks to a rocket shot from Saba Lobjanidze in the 44th minute. After regaining the ball in midfield, Atlanta was able to strengthen its attack. Miami was unable to prepare defensively as Lobanjidze quickly got the ball up the court with a pass from Tristan Muymba. Lobjanidze scored with a shot from the central position outside the area.

Lobjanidze nearly extended Atlanta’s lead during two minutes of stoppage time in the first half. He had a breakaway in the middle, but his shot was blocked and went wide of the net. Atlanta United finished the first half with a goal and the lead, which is what the 5-Stripes were looking for during this stretch of play.