Nov 03, V7N- Atlanta United pulled off a thrilling 2-1 victory over Inter Miami in the final seconds of stoppage time, keeping their MLS Cup hopes alive and denying Lionel Messi's Inter Miami an early playoff series win. Xande Silva’s stunning goal in the 94th minute at Mercedes-Benz Stadium brought the series level at 1-1, setting up a high-stakes Game 3 in Miami next Saturday.
 
Inter Miami had the upper hand early, leading 1-0 after David Martinez capitalized on a costly mistake by Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan in the 40th minute. Guzan mishandled a routine clearance, allowing Federico Redondo to set up Martinez for an easy finish. But Atlanta responded forcefully in the second half, with Derrick Williams equalizing with a powerful header in the 58th minute. Both teams had close calls, including a near-goal by Saba Lobjanidze that Miami’s Drake Callender deflected onto the crossbar in the 89th minute. Just as the match seemed destined for penalties, Silva's brilliant strike secured the win for Atlanta.
 
Atlanta coach Rob Valentino praised his team’s resilience, highlighting the group’s unity and Silva's impact off the bench.
 
In other playoff action, New York City FC kept their season alive by defeating FC Cincinnati 3-1. Alonso Martinez and Thiago Martins scored for New York in the first half, but Cincinnati’s Luca Orellano cut the lead with a fantastic solo effort in the 65th minute. Cincinnati pressed for an equalizer, but New York sealed the win in stoppage time when Santiago Rodriguez won and converted a penalty with a composed Panenka. The series will also conclude in a decisive Game 3 in Cincinnati next Saturday.
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