Despite series lead, Inter Miami aim for improved play vs. Atlanta

Inter Miami aim to build on their impressive 2024 campaign and advance in the MLS Cup Playoffs when they visit Atlanta United on Saturday.

The Herons, who tallied a record-setting 74 points during the regular season, opened the playoffs with a 2-1 win over Atlanta on Oct. 25 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

The victory gave Miami a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three Eastern Conference series, but the Herons didn't walk away feeling great about the end result.

"The last two days we've had kind of a pissed-off attitude, kinda by the way we performed," defender Noah Allen said. "I feel like we knew we played good, just some of the chances that we could have finished more, probably and I think that's what you're going to see on Saturday."

Miami had 22 shots but only 11 on target. Luis Suarez (second minute) and Jordi Alba (60th) scored for the Herons, with Saba Lobjanidze (39th) equalizing in the first half for Atlanta. Brad Guzan made eight saves in the defeat.

In the second half, Atlanta faced an uphill climb after losing two starting defenders due to injury in the first 34 minutes. Brooks Lennon suffered a season-ending dislocated shoulder and Stian Gregersen injured his hamstring.

It's not clear if Gregersen will be available Saturday, but there are no excuses for Atlanta.

"With injuries, you just prepare to play," said veteran midfielder Dax McCarty. "Every player in our locker room should be ready to go."

Miami had its own injury issues in the win. Defender Ian Fray suffered an injury to his right medial meniscus in the second minute of second half stoppage time. He had entered as a substitute in the 74th minute.

Fray is done for the season, but he avoided another major knee injury. The 22-year-old has sustained three ACL tears in his soccer career.

A win on Saturday for Atlanta, which went 1-0-1 against Miami during the regular season, would force a decisive Game 3 in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 9.

--Field Level Media