Missed opportunity as Inter Miami stumble to a draw against Atlanta

Inter Miami 2 – 2 Atlanta United

MIAMI, FL–Inter Miami missed the chance to close the gap at the top of the table with a disappointing draw at home to Atlanta United. With Nashville sharing the spoils against New York City, this was a golden opportunity for the Herons to close the considerable points difference between themselves and the league leaders, but they were left frustrated.

A frantic final minutes of the game almost provided the winner the home supporters were desperate to see, but the visitors backline held firm despite a series of opportunities for Miami. Just days after Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the International game, the Miami captain provided two assists to take his season tally for goal involvements to a record breaking thirty.

But even with his legendary talents on full show, he was unable to help his side beat an Atlanta United side that were four places adrift of the playoffs coming into this game. The Herons were full of confidence after last week’s mauling of Montreal still fresh in the mind, and they started the game with clear intent to push forward at any opportunity.

Casemiro was again deployed at centre half while Micael recovers from injury, and it was the Brazilian that broke the deadlock with his second goal in as many games when he latched onto Messi’s corner. It was another simple set piece but with Messi delivering a pin point ball and Casemiro’s prowess in the air, it will continue to be a huge threat throughout the season.

However, the celebrations were short lived after they were caught out by a swift Atlanta break that saw Casemiro attempted block bounce off Dayne St. Clair and Almiron picked up the loose ball to level things up. It was an open game and both sides were using possession well as they stretched the opponents with long balls and willing runners from both camps.

Telasco Segovia collected the ball and did well down the left hand side. As he looked up he saw the run of Luis Suarez and played in the perfect pass for the striker who made it look far easier than it was with a great first touch and finish.

Almiron had the chance to level things again but he failed from the penalty spot as St. Clair guessed the right way and saved. It was a warning for Miami as the visitors continued to pile on the pressure in search of a goal, but it was a warning they failed to heed.

Miami have conceded goals in over eighty percent of games this season, and it was another late equalizer that saw the points slip away.

Some poor play at the back saw them give up possession cheaply multiple times, and it led to Atlanta’s second penalty, which Breel Embolo put away with some aplomb.

German Berterame could have won the game right at the death with a glorious chance, but just as you expected the net to bulge, he surprisingly headed over. It was the last moment of the game and would have been the perfect end for the home fans to a chaotic crescendo to the match.

This is a striker that’s down on confidence, and it showed with this attempt. But there’s no hiding from the fact that it was a bad miss that he should have taken, the enormity of the moment will no doubt add to the striker’s disappointment.

The Mexican’s work rate is excellent and he holds the ball up well as the spearhead of the team, but he was brought in to score goals, and when his chances come along he needs to take them.

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